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POPE FRANCIS IS expected to appeal for reconciliation of fractured communities in his Christmas Day blessing, as the world takes stock of a year of violence and suffering that saw hundreds of thousands flee their homes.
Francis is due to address his believers at Saint Peter’s Basilica for the Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) message, traditionally an occasion to appeal for solutions to the world’s problems.
He has much to contemplate as 2015 comes to a close, with Islamic State overrunning swathes of the Middle East, brutal sectarian conflicts in Africa and threats to the environment contributing to a wave of a million migrants risking their lives to reach Europe.
In many countries across the world, Christians were fearful for their future, and some were even prohibited from celebrating the holy day.
In Somalia, the government has banned celebrations of Christmas and New Year in the Muslim majority country, saying the festivities might attract Islamist attacks.
The same is true in oil-rich Brunei, where the country’s authorities have threatened five-year jail sentences for those who violate a ban imposed on “open and excessive” celebrations.
Return to simple values
At his Christmas Eve mass, Pope Francis urged the faithful to reject the materialism that pervades the gift-giving season, and to embrace “simple, balanced” values, while violence subdued festivities in the Holy Land.
Addressing crowds at Saint Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff called on Christians everywhere to push back against the excesses of modern society, which he said was “so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism”.
Christianity calls on believers “to act soberly — in other words, in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential,” said the 79-year old pope, leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.
Condemning a “culture of indifference which not infrequently turns ruthless”, the pope asked Catholics to combine prayer with an attitude of “empathy, compassion and mercy” after a year of global unrest that saw one million migrants and refugees, mostly from Syria, reach Europe in search of a better life.
Amid an unusually heavy security presence in Saint Peter’s Square over fears of a jihadist attack, the visibly pale pope, who has been suffering from the flu, in a hoarse voice called on believers to resist fear.
“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,” the Argentine pontiff said.
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Except when the collection plate comes around.
I was at mass this morning. Its almost laughable at times. The qeue is out the door and everyone is waiting for two collection baskets to filter through in silence. Theres a reason i only go once a year!
All cults do that. It used to be that any monies collected above and beyond those needed for the upkeep were repatriated to the Vatican so they can keep their perverts on the run from the US justice system and the reach of its extradition treaties in comfort. .US bishops accused of sex abuse have been given quarter there and remain there.
You must be having a miserable christmas codology. Complaining here is all you seem to be doing!
well if you go once a hear than you might not be a very practicing Christian, hay. All churches, mosques, synagogues and temples are run on donations. By the way what you give in the name of God is your good deeds and this will benefit you hereafter if you believe in it. What they do with the money is up to them to justify on the judgement day, you do your good deeds and carry on doing it my friend.
Doing good deeds for a benefit in an imaginary afterlife is a very selfish message ‘I’m doing something nice for you,but it’s really for me’
A good deed is only a good deed when nothing is expected in return.
The pope should sort out the greed, selfishness and materialism in the vatican and in his church and among his followers worldwide. Read http://www.healingcentres.org/Pope.doc
And he has issued his advice in the surroundings of the unimaginable wealth of the Vatican.
Happy Saturnalia Francis.
Lead by example. Employ the vaults and feed the hungry.
I think thats being looked at
Apparently it’s only been resting in their accounts.
We have gone really materialistic though, huge retail shops should be made remain closed from dec 24-jan 2 and give everyone a break from the madness.
Nobodys making you shop and while I don’t have any interest in the sales, I would like to be able to go to a shop should I need something.
Says a man wearing versache shoes and dripping in gold & lives in a palace
You might want to do a bit of research there before making an even bigger fool of yourself.
@philip He might be wrong on the personal issue with the pope, but the church does spend a lot on material stuff. Tens of millions on a parochial house in germany ( though well done for sacking the priest involved). It has a long way to go before it can lecture people on these kinda things.
Just think of the money the church spent on bishop’s palaces and cathedrals in Ireland in the 19th century when whole sections of society were in dire poverty.
Reg that money was misappropriated from the Congested Districts Board. Money was meant for the poor and was spent on churches, cathedrals and not surprisingly industrial schools which were another money spinner.
It’s kind of irritating the way religion keeps muscling its way into Christmas.
Maybe that’s because it’s a religious holiday, you may not have heard of Him but it has something to do with a man by the name of Jesus Christ, who died a while back, and who’s birthday is celebrated on Christmas day. No one is forcing you to join in the celebrations bandido.
Yes, but they are forcing him to remain Catholic as the RCC has made it virtually impossible to leave the Church in the last 4 or 5 years.Why is that, do you think? So the Pope sees Bandido as a Catholic and is lecturing to him from the pulpit, even now.
And btw, it was originally a pagan festival in ancient Rome. 18th-25th December was the festival of Saturnalia. It’s also no coincidence the whole thing ties in nicely with the winter solstice.
*him. Nope,wrong Santa Claus,the Christmas you are referring to is an appropriated ancient pagan festival,this time of year has about as much to do with Jesus as it does with Dickie Rock. Please familiarise yourself with historical accuracy when making false claims.
Jesus is as relevant to Christmas as Thor is to Thursday.
Not to mention the Greek god of wine, Dionysus or Bacchus, also called Iacchus was also born to a virgin mother on the 25th of December. In fact, the parallels are staggering. He did it all too. Miracles, water into wine, son of god (Zeus), rose again – it’s beyond uncanny – it’s the same fcuking story.
Then you also have the other pre-Christian God Mithras also born on December 25th. Osiris, Adonis also born December 25th.
You seeing a pattern here Santa?
Pagans? Lol the clue is in the name CHRISTmas.
Doesn’t make any odds, if you want to celebrate the pagan version of it go right on ahead. And if you have serious issues with the religion you were born into, leave it, and don’t participate in its religious rites and holidays in the meantime. You’ll be able to sleep better at night I’m sure.
It’s a religious holiday Dick, end of, if you think otherwise I suggest you change your surname to Head.
He rose again on March 25th and existed 1500 years before Jesus.
Joe, they simply changed the name to fool the gullible.
existed in mythology
Strawman argument codology, sure sign you can’t think of am original riposte to my original post, try to keep up next time and address the comment at hand.
an*
Santa ripping the hypocrites :D
Santa – how is it a straw man argument, no point calling names and running away, spit it out.
Hey Paul.
On another thread you accused me of defending paedophillia. I’ve challenged you to back up your claim but you’ve gone a running. Man you are so full of it. Hatred and false accusations spewing out of every pore.
Tom it’s par for the course with militant atheists who are committed to demeaning and abusing people of faith.
Haha Santa. Let me tell you a little about Dionysus . Apart from being born to a virgin on the 25th of December and being the son of god (Zeus), he was also placed in a cradle/crib/manger, was a travelling teacher who performed miracles. rode on an ass, rose from the dead on March 25th and rose into heaven, was deemed “father” and “saviour”, turned water into wine, he was considered the “Only Begotten Son,” “King of Kings,” “God of Gods,” “Sin Bearer,” “Redeemer,” “Anointed One” and the “Alpha and Omega.”. He was identified with the ram and lamb.
His sacrificial title of “Dendrites” or “Young Man of the Tree” indicates he was hung on a tree or crucified.
Welcome to the greatest con perpetrated on the unthinking masses in history. You’re a paid up member. Happy Christmas.
Thanks Joe.
He’s still remaining silent.
I’m not bitter at all Santa Claus,just pointing out facts,Happy Holidays!
You’re probably the most snarky and bitter poster on TheJournal.ie
To. – go read it you foolish child, I stand over my comment, now over to you.
Joe – I have responded to the fool, perhaps you should read before making accusations. I stand o ear what I said and look forward to a solicitor laughing their hoop off at the fool whilst charging €300 for the pleasure.
Christmas as we know it todsy is undoubtedly a religious holiday. But some of us ignore religious parts and concentrate on family and friends. It has taken on a new meaning for a lot of us. Mainly love and joy. You can’t fake faith. As for being hypocritical, it’s only a word. Couldn’t care less if I’m a hypocrite in the eyes of the religious.
I’ve just asked you to quote me.
I’m sure if I defended paedophillia you would be very quick to quote me.
Now, for all the good people here- speak up or shut up.
Quote me please where I defended paedophillia.
It’s not difficulty.
Whose looking like the fool now?
Great Paul.
I’m a fool. I completely agree.
Now, can we avoid deflecting from the point of discussion. Where did I defend paedophillia? It’s a simple question.
I have no doubt that you would quickly slap me down if you could. Now, for the 10th time can you answer the question.
HO HO HO! More strawman nonsense from the eponymous codology, who couldn’t even get the birthplace of Mary correct, but no doubt has his kid or kids baptised into a religion he has nothing but apparent contempt for, you sir, are an arch hypocrite.
Tom – thought you were going to correspond via a Solicitor, off you pop. I look forward to it, you are running away from your threats now and I would hate for you not to keep your word. May I recommend Lavelle Coleman a very good litigation practice.
Tom – you look foolish, you told me if I said those things in public you would sue me, I pointed out this is a public forum so fire away. Please sue me, perhaps you friends at YD etc can give you some of their “defamation” monies. Not only did I not run away I repeated it and will continue to do so.
@Santa Claus: JC is fiction. Solstice is the reason for the season!
Historically Jesus did exist there are records of him but rest is all shite
Show me the body???
Diddy – there is significant historical debate to his existence, but more historical theologians believe he did exist than not. However, they accept there is no physical evidence to support this and there is little mention in historical documents either. All except that he is very different from the character portrayed by religious organisations.
Accept not except
It’s a public forum but there is no defamation as there is no damage done. You are now deflecting from your lies.
Simple question.
Where did I defend paedophillia?
That’s all.
Let’s not complicate it.
If you can’t back up what you say then that speaks volumes.
Your problem mate is your just angry at everything and anybody who has any ounce of any faith in them. I ain’t wasting any more time on you.
Merry Christmas and lots of blessings on you.
Tom – you commented after every post this morning, stalking me after stating you were going to sue me, this is a public forum so sue me, I even suggested a good firm for you. No point jumping up and down stamping your feet shouting defamation, whilst hiding behind a false name.
You are always on here defending the church and its history of child rape and paedophillia. Last night someone posted about the subject, with a untrue stat and you went off on your normal, but claimed he “pulled it out of his ass”. I pointed out that this was not a good turn of phrase when defending church paedophillia. Fill your boots, do as you please, but you are a defender. Whenever the church is mentioned on this site you appear defending and deflecting.
Well, Paul, a fella named Jesus probably existed, maybe even preached some sensible stuff, but he wasn’t born on the 25th December, and didn’t go all Zombie on Easter morning, I think that’s what Dibbly is getting at
For me what Christmas morphed into over time is exactly as he says, materialistic. And it had has half ruined it for me. I was never big into the gifts, it was more a time to unwind with friends and family while exchanging banter over a beer or tea. Going to see a neighbour you haven’t in a while and so on. Now a days it’s about how much you spend, did you get something for everyone, how p*ssed did you get Christmas eve. Christmas isn’t what it used to be, religious beliefs or not we’ve lost the run of ourselves to commercialism.
Its not like that at all in my family. We dont have any religion in our family, but we all have some time off for Christmas. So for us its about thoughtful small gifts and family dinner and lots of chatting and relaxing. Its only materialistic and drink fuelled if you let it be.
You don’t control your friends!
Any chance the Vatican could lose their fascination with materialism?
At in – given their obsession with money it is highly unlikely. What does Francie himself take his Alfie’s with? Yep, you guessed it a materialistic smart phone. Incredible some people above have labelled Codology a hypocrite without mentioning the hypocrisy of the orator.
Armin – Selfies with, not Alfie’s.
Probably the reason is that “Codology” (coward behind a false profile) appears to have a mission in life to offend as many people as possible.
Well Paul?
Still not going to back up your claim??
Running for cover??
Tom – go check the repsonse you defender, deflector of church paedophillia.
That makes no sense.
English please
Can’t hear him through the noise of the wrapping paper and hyper kids.
At least you have it turned on!
Bit late popey!
I’m sure today’s nasty national weather will have a big impact on mass numbers today. That, and people not giving a shit. My 4 year old was opening her presents a half hour ago, and it struck me as to how cruel it would be to take her away from that enjoyment and dragging her off down to mass today to listen to virgins in frocks telling me that an Isreali minx back in the day, was a virgin too.
A bit hypocritical of you to celebrate Christmas then codology (assuming you do of course) and Mary was from Galilee, not Israel. You’re probably not going to have your child go through the Catholic ordeal of Holy Communion and Confirmation either then, that could be perceived to be uber hypocrisy of the highest order. HO HO HO, MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
You celebrating Christmas and giving out about religion at the same time…lol.
See my post below
What a hypocrite!! Muppet.
How is he a hypocrite? My children have not been baptised before you ask and they do not partake in religion at school.
You celebrate Christmas which is a Christian holiday and yet bash religion. Enjoy the few days brought to you by Christ.
Joe – it is a holiday stolen from the pagans for a start and I do not celebrate Christmas as you state, but spend time with family and friends without mention of God or Jesus, but will laugh at the idea of a virgin birth, not to be disrespectful, but because it is so ridiculous. Funny, but you do not mention the obvious hypocrisy from the article, why is that? And you an agnostic, supposedly,
Was Saint Stephen a pagan? You’re a hypocrite of the highest order.
It’s not a christian holiday, they stole it like they stole most things, made up some balloxology about it to justify it. Most academics and theologians agree the birth of this Jesus figure was actually around February. Happy festivius.
Well just as Christianity assilmilated the pagan festival of winter solstice, Christmas is being seen as quite different to what you label as a christian holiday.
Don’t know about him Paul but you?
Accuse me of defending Paedophillia but refuse the challenge of pointing out where I defended it.
The silence is deafening.
Have a nice Christmas Day.
Tom – I replied and stand over my post now go read it you fool. Not running, I repeated it for you, now over to you. Look forward to a Solicitor laughing at you.
The bible does not say when Jesus was born, the date was chosen because pagans celebrate this time of the year as the days begin to get long. Many of our Christmas traditions such as the Christmas tree etc were adopted from the pagans. I see Christmas as a part of my culture, most people that don’t believe in God celebrate it anyway because of tradition
Christmas is about Santa. Just ask any child in church this morning.
Giving out about Christmas and celebrating it at the same time is sooooooo Oirish. Hypocrites. But happy hypocrites I guess
Paddy – one of the few things I am celebrating today is the birth of Isaac Newton and annoying the shyte out of the religious fundamentalist Tom Burke on here.
Shane McGowan also born on Christmas Day
Hypocrite comes to mind, in the form of big golden hats & tax exemptions
The Rev Ian Paisley could not have put it better himself if he was still preaching at Christmas in Ravenhill Road
That goes for all religions not just the ones that suits you pal
The Catholic Church educates, shelters, feeds and clothes more people than any other organisation in the world.
You got a link detailing that? How many dies of starvation in the famine? Good at feeding themselves.
They do a lot more globally than any athiest group that’s for damn sure.
What I do know about the “famine” is that there was plenty of food in the country but unfortunately it was in the hands of those anti catholic people who were in charge at the time. #soupers
Can’t really blame RC Church for the famine British government of the time more to blame A lot of priests and quakers did their best to help during the famine
Padraig – no link then? Go on, have a guess how many catholic priests died of starvation during the famine, despite the food being in anti Catholic hands, have a pop.
That’s true Joe. How many Atheist groups successfully ran a global child sex ring? Catholics 1, Atheists 0
Are you really asking that based on a question in a movie. Go online yourself and you will find plenty of info backing up what I said. I see the work in action every day.
Padraig – that will be a NO then, you do not have anything to back up your claims.
So you are basing it on a movie. What would be the point. I could but I am sure you can get another link saying the opposite. I see it in action daily. Plus nothing I could show you could influence your opinion in any case. I have plenty of issues with the church but not regards the charitable works it carries out.
Happy Holidays Paul. Getting my Christmas dinner now and after that I can blame the church for the weight I put on.
Padraig – why are you on about a film. In 1847 alone almost 19% of the population died, mostly from starvation and related disease. Out of all these people only 36 clergy (Catholic and Anglican) were registered as dying of related disease, none were registered as dying of starvation. Many of the Protestant community believed it was god’s punishment for Popery, so very Christian. Although some of the clergy were sympathetic to the poor and some may have helped feed a small amount of the poor, it seems they were much better at feeding themselves, remember nine died of hunger.
Now about that link detailing how the Catholic Church feed, educate and care for more people than any other organisation in the world. Time to put up or shut up really.
Paul.
I agree. I hate when people make accusations they can’t stand over.
Is that you’re real face?
Have I told you to shut up at any stage. Fact is most people died of related diseases during that time. As I pointed out earlier all you have to do is google and look for yourself what the church did and did not do for the people of Ireland. I could pull things from the net as well and plaster it here but you can find anything for or against any position. Pointless.
Father Peter McVerry on the front line fighting homelessness one shining example.
SVP, Simon, Focus etc list endless really
Padraig,the Catholic Church also rapes children,discriminates against women and gay people and child trafficked more than any other organisation in the world.
Not gonna happen Popey!
Maybe he could first sell off some of the vast fortune of priceless goodies and land he owns. Then maybe…..
Not a Catholic. Not an Atheist either. Just believe in Love. Couldn’t agree more though with what this man has said. The level of materialism is just ridiculous. Your health defines your real wealth & your compassion towards your fellow humans defines who you truly are!
Sorry Popey .. Saw your message too late.. Ahhhhh well maybe next year.. Slainte
@ John O’donnell
where is your avatar for the people murdered by French air strikes ?
I was at the Vatican, if the pope wants to reject materialism he could start with getting rid of the ostentatious wealth on his own doorstep, maybe he could move himself and his cardinals and bishops to skellig Michael for ten years to contemplate the meaning of life.
All the angry atheists out again today. Is it just a jealousy thing because everyone else is celebrating Christmas day ?
Merry Christmas Tony, up early rattling cages. Not sure they are celebrating Christmas more having a holiday with family and friends as our places of work and leisure are shut.
You rattling your cage woke him up!
Atheists, Tony, I find it so amusing how they have so much in common with religious fundamentalists, and all that anger, maybe they need a bit of faith in their lives to cheer them up! : )
Santa – I am not angry at Tony, far from it, as I have told him several times before I like him and enjoy the sparring. I did not mean he was rattling his cage, but other people’s.
Hey Tiddles. All atheists in my house today and all celebrating christmas. Some santa claus dude left presents under the christmas tree, we’re stuffing our faces now with turkey and washing it down with loads of booze. Whats religious about it?
Fair weather atheists….
Likewise Paul… I know I don’t rattle your cage, your seem much calmer than most of your atheist comrades ! Happy holidays / Christmas to you.
It seems like they need something Santa, not sure what though. Include them on your list next year, bring them a sackful of faith ;)
Tony – cheers fella, have a great Christmas and let the battle commence for 2016.
There is no battle.
Live and let live.
Lose the hatred.
I wish you well.
Says the guy living in a palace surrounded by gold and paintings. The Vatican is one of the most disgusting displays of extravagance and wealth I have ever seen. What a hypocritical statement. If he really wants to be a leader of a religion, he should lead by example and make the world a better place in reality, rather than preaching from his palace.
Actually the Pope lives in a small apartment and drives a second hand car but never mind, at least you got that off your chest and that will be therapeutic for you.
Isaac
That’s true but they won’t acknowledge that. Pope Frankie is a good guy.
@Tom,what good has he done for the benefit of any significant number of people since taking up his position,a position which has the potential to do a lot given the money behind it? One example will suffice,just one.
He could start the ball rolling…..the Vatican has enormous wealth.
Ironic considering the amount of gold & diamonds & Rubys he’s covered in
he can but out of my christmas, I’m not going to tell him how to say ,mass.
The Pope owns Christmas.
He makes the rules.
Just saying don’t make it tue tommy
Good old Frankie , he means well .
Don’t know about you but I’d expect less hypocrisy from a moral leader.
Haha are you having a fookin laugh !! This coming from the enormous wealth of the Vatican !
A great Christian holiday, local parish was heaving as I passed by on my way for a Christmas swim.
Joe – yes Joe, full of the real hypocrites.
@Paul – who are you to set yourself up as judge of your neighbours?
Is that not hypocritical?
Watch out Philip.
Paul accused me of defending paedophillia but has been unable to back up his claim.
I hope you have a screenshot and reported him.
Tom – I am laughing heartily at you, go read the response and come back to me. I stand over it and it is not the first time you have done it.
Tom – when I get back from a break in my house the Commeraghs, but will be back in my Dalkey home early next week, send me a mail and you can meet me to serve me with the papers. Ha ha ha ha, funny little boy, doubt I will get anything funnier in my cracker.
Yawn
Why don’t you enjoy your day and stop wasting your life hating everybody.
It’s Christmas Day.
Let’s celebrate the birth of our saviour.
Can I have your email address then
Tom – yes, contact me on FB and you can have it, not putting it up here.
You know them all then?
yes there was a pagan festival around this time of year but many pagans embraced cristianity and adopted the festival as Christmas where the birth of jesus was celebrated. youd swear they were all brutally forced to celebrate Christmas. it was something they too embraced and many became christians. i think its quite amusing to read all the anti christian comments this time of year. we celebrate the birth of Jesus whether you like it or not. infact millions around the world do. if you dont like mass dont go. if you dont believe in God so what. why be so angry and arrogant towards those who do is beyond me. its always those who scream about equality all year who are the ones that slag off anyone who doesnt hold the same views about religion. very tolerant indeed! ! happy CHRISTMAS everybody.
Embraced?? Its really hard to tell sarcasm from idiocy on this website.
The birth of who?
The Church should lead by example! The Church has enormous wealth, let’s dish that out?
But it all belongs to God.. The money is rust resting in their accounts.
Bahh. Humbug.
I will when you do Frank
All this outrage, just admit it everybody, you love it.
Were it not for Pope Francis, you would have spent your day stressed out of your brains, watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Sound of Music and counting down the minutes till the pubs open in the morning.
But no, today you are united with numerous other like minded individuals, venting your anger about a man who loves humanity, a man just trying to do his job.
Admit it people, for today at least, IL Papa has given your life relevance.
Thank you Francis..
Pope PR does seem to enjoy talking bollox.
Look how bling his book is in the picture… Not materialistic at all!!
Tell him I said NO
OH the irony!
Simple things are good, consumerism destroys the soul, that is why mid life crisis’ are from the western world?
have your say