Pope Francis congratulated Eastern Rite Christians on Christmas and sent a special message to the long-suffering Ukrainian people.

“Dear brothers and sisters, from the bottom of my heart I congratulate the communities of the Eastern Churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, who will celebrate Christmas tomorrow,” Pope Francis said, according to Vatican News.

“I send this greeting in a special way to the brothers and sisters of the long-suffering Ukrainian people,” he said, to which the pilgrims on St. Peter’s Square responded with applause. “Let the birth of the Savior inspire comfort, inspire hope, inspire concrete steps that can lead to an end to fighting and peace. Let’s pray for Ukraine and for peace,” he urged.

The Pope on the war in Ukraine

Pope Francis called for a “modest” Christmas, and instead of spending money on gifts, he suggested donating to help the people of Ukraine.

Before that, he cried during a traditional prayer in Rome when he remembered the suffering of Ukrainians.

In addition, Francis offered to become a mediator in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, but the Kremlin rejected this idea.

It is interesting that earlier the Pope had a completely different rhetoric. Thus, at the beginning of November, he stated that the brutality with which Russian servicemen operate in Ukraine is not characteristic of the Russian people. He said that he has great respect for the Russian people and their humanism. These words outraged the ambassador of Ukraine to the USA.