In his annual Christmas homily, Pope Francis has criticised materialism and warned Roman Catholics around the globe not to be “intoxicated” by “consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance”.
Celebrating with around 10,000 people at a Christmas eve Mass in St Peter’s Basilica the Pope said the Christmas was the time to “once more discover who we are”.
“In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism, this child calls us to act soberly, in other words, in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential,” he said.
“Amid a culture of indifference which not infrequently turns ruthless, our style of life should instead be devout, filled with empathy, compassion and mercy,” the Pope added.
“In a world which all too often is merciless to the sinner and lenient to the sin, we need to cultivate a strong sense of justice, to discern and to do God’s will,” he said.
Tags: Pope Francis