I thank you so much. I thank each and every one of you so much, for your presence here, for this day of joy that prepares us for Christmas.

We must not forget the children of Ukraine, and you certainly do not forget them! [pointing to a sign] There it says “Peace”, and there is the flag of Ukraine. So many children are suffering because of the war, and in other parts of the world they also suffer from injustice.

If the Lord gives us this joy to celebrate Christmas like this, all together, in peace, let us also think of those who suffer and let us pray together for them.

And now thank you very much! And if you want the circus can begin, no problem. Thank you!

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L'Osservatore Romano, Weekly Edition in English, 23 December 2022