As Pope Francis celebrates his first Christmas Mass and issues his Christmas Day blessing from St. Peter’s, the eyes of the Catholic world will be on him, but our prayers should also be with 86-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict. Last February, rather than cling to the title and perks of office as the Church faced serious challenges, a frail Benedict undertook a prayerful examination of conscience and became the first pope in modern history to resign. It was a selfless and humble act.
A month later, the College of Cardinals elected Pope Francis. He has been a joyful inspiration and will quite rightly dominate the spotlight at Christmas, but the Church’s two popes should hold an equal place in our prayers as we pause to celebrate the birth of our Saviour — Benedict for all he has given us, Francis for what is still to come.
But they are not alone on The Register’s Christmas list. We also pray for:
o A Church that is poor and for the poor, and that this plea by Pope Francis is heard and heeded worldwide.
o Wisdom and integrity for political leadership in Canada and abroad so that elected officials will act ethically and morally to rise above self interest in a genuine pursuit of the common good.
o Safe workplaces, fair wages and human dignity for the vast number of workers trapped in the world’s sweat shops; urgency among political and corporate leaders to end unjust practices; and comfort for families in Bangladesh still grieving more than 1,100 loved ones killed in an avoidable workplace tragedy earlier this year.
o An end to Syria’s civil war that has taken 100,000 lives and displaced more than seven million people, including almost two million living in refugee camps where this Christmas many of them will huddle in unheated tents.
o Religious freedom and no more religious persecution in nations where Christians routinely face discrimination and often violence because they believe in Christmas, and in Canada a revival of a political and social culture that respects the voice of faith in the public square.
o A softening of hearts among Quebec’s ruling party as it marches forward with its anti-religious Charter of Values and also advances regressive legislation to legalize euthanasia.
o Courage and strength for Christians in the Middle East, particularly for those in Christ’s birthplace of Bethlehem, who face a frightening future as Christians continue to be driven from the Holy Land.
Finally, peace and joy for Catholic Register readers and to all, Merry Christmas.