“Celebrate humbly and donate for Ukraine” – Pope Francis’ call to people

Pope Francis on Wednesday urged people to celebrate “a more humble Christmas” this year by spending less on gifts and celebrations and sending the difference to Ukrainians in need.

Speaking at the end of his weekly general audience, Francis drew attention to the suffering of the “battered Ukrainian people” as he has done repeatedly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February.

“Ukraine is suffering very much, very much,” he said.

“Although celebrating Christmas is important, he said, let’s have a humbler Christmas, with humbler gifts, sending what we save to the Ukrainian people who need it. People in the country are hungry and cold, and many are dying amid a shortage of doctors and nurses,” he urged.