People yesterday donned Santa caps on beaches, ski slopes and streets around the globe to celebrate Christmas, as Pope Francis called for an end to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine that this year have cast a shadow over one of the world’s favorite holidays.
Red and white Santa outfits appeared on surfers from Australia to Florida, on bicyclists in the smog-filled streets of New Delhi and intrepid souls braving chilly Channel waters for a holiday dip near Britain’s Dover.
In his annual Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis called for an end “to war, to every war, to the very mindset of war, an aimless voyage, a defeat without victors, an inexcusable folly.”
Photo: Reuters
May peace “come in Israel and Palestine, where war is devastating the lives of those peoples,” he said.
“I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage. I plead for an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims, and call for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation by an opening to the provision of humanitarian aid,” he said.
“I implore peace for Ukraine. Let us renew our spiritual and human closeness to its embattled people,” he said, also calling for the resolution of conflicts simmering in the Middle East, Africa and the Caucasus.
Photo: EPA-EFE
The Gaza war made for a somber Christmas in Bethlehem, the biblical city in the occupied West Bank where Christians believe Jesus Christ was laid in a manger after being born more than 2,000 years ago.
The town did away with its giant Christmas tree, marching bands and flamboyant nativity scene that normally draw tourists, settling for just a few festive lights.
In the center of town, a huge Palestinian flag had been unfolded with a banner declaring that “the bells of Bethlehem ring for a ceasefire in Gaza.”
“A lot of people are dying for this land,” said Nicole Najjar, an 18-year-old student. “It’s really hard to celebrate while our people are dying.”
In countries not afflicted by war, festive revelers opened presents and donned Santa hats for a shot of holiday cheer.
In Sydney, residents and tourists headed to the beach, while thousands descended on Florida’s Cocoa Beach for the annual “Surfing Santas” celebration that raises funds for charity.
In southern Turkey, much of which was devastated by an earthquake in February, the faithful prayed for new beginnings.
“It’s important for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it’s a very sad Christmas,” said Vehbi Tadrasgil, a 55-year-old who lost his wife and two of his three children in the quake that killed at least 50,000 people in Turkey and more than 5,000 in Syria.
“I hope that their souls are here, I am certain that our prayers rise to them,” he said in front of the ruins of a church at Antakya.
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