LOOP: Pope Leo's Christmas message challenges Christians

The LOOP FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 POPE LEO DELIVERS POWERFUL CHRISTMAS HOMILY  Pope Leo yesterday became the first pope to preside over Christmas Day Mass at the Vatican since Pope St. John Paul II over thirty years ago. There, Pope Leo delivered a powerful homily centered on God becoming flesh, which amounted to a plea for gentleness and care. "How, then," the Holy Father said, "can we not think of the tents in Gaza… or of those of so many other refugees and displaced persons on every continent; or of the makeshift shelters of thousands of homeless people in our own cities?"

View in browser FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 - ST. STEPHEN'S DAY POPE LEO DELIVERS POWERFUL CHRISTMAS HOMILY  Pope Leo yesterday became the first pope to preside over Christmas Day Mass at the Vatican since Pope St. John Paul II over thirty years ago. There, Pope Leo delivered a powerful homily in which he pointed out that God becoming flesh amounted to a plea for gentleness and care. "How, then," the Holy Father said, "can we not think of the tents in Gaza… or of those of so many other refugees and displaced persons on every continent; or of the makeshift shelters of thousands of homeless people in our own cities?"  READ POPE BLESSES THE WORLD, NAMING GLOBAL CONFLICTS  Following the Christmas Day Mass, the Holy Father imparted the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica, delivering an unusually long and detailed message in which he highlighted many of the world's most violent or forgotten conflicts, framing them not in political terms but through the lens of Christian responsibility, conversion, and hope.  READ DON'T TAKE DOWN THE TREE!  After Christmas Day, many pack away their Christmas decorations and return to the rhythm of everyday life. But a growing Catholic movement embraces the Christmas spirit well into the New Year, celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas and even continuing festivities until Feb. 2, when the Church celebrates Candlemas.  READ AD: EARN UP TO $600 WHILE YOU BREAK FREE  Earn up to $600 in prizes while you break free from impurity. The 45‑Day Winning the Battle Challenge rewards you for every lesson, meeting, and milestone. Build consistency, gain real tools for healing, and stay motivated with a system that works. Freedom is possible — and now it's rewarded.  LEARN MORE   SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT 'JOY TO THE WORLD'  "Joy to the world! The Lord is come, let earth receive her King." We all know the hymn. However, here's what you probably don't know: It was originally written not about the arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas Day — but about His second coming.  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Catholics around the world celebrate the feast of St. Stephen today, continuing the Christmas season by remembering the first Christian who laid down his life for his faith.  READ DAILY PSALM  "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." (Psalm 31)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ DEVOTION  Catholics looking for a prayer resource that follows the Church's daily liturgy, not just the Advent calendar, may find a new offering worth exploring this Christmas season.  READ Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization., PO Box 3310, Carmel, IN 46082 (317) 669-6127 Unsubscribe Manage preferences