By Sabina Castelfranco, VOA
In his Christmas message to the city and to the world, Pope Francis had special thoughts for people forced to migrate due to injustices and for children who are abandoned and suffer violence. The pope also sent a special Christmas message to the leaders of South
Sudan.
In his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas blessing and message from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the pope said his thoughts went to the many areas of the world where there is “darkness due to economic, geopolitical and ecological conflicts but said the light of Christ is greater.
Pope Francis spoke of the many children suffering from war and conflicts in the Middle East and mentioned Syria, Lebanon and Iraq.
He spoke of the people of Africa, “where persistent social and political situations often force individuals to migrate, depriving them of a home and family.
“It is injustice that makes them cross deserts and seas that become cemeteries," he said.
"It is injustice that forces them to ensure unspeakable forms of abuse, enslavement of every kind and torture in inhumane detention camps,” Pope Francis added “it is injustice that turns them away from places where they might have hope for a dignified life, but instead find themselves before walls of indifference.”
The Pope also sent special wishes for peace and prosperity to the leaders of South Sudan. The joint Christmas message with Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby and Reverend John Chalmers, former moderator of the Church of Scotland, assured South Sudanese leaders of their spiritual closeness as they strive for a swift implementation of the peace agreements reached for their country.