Christmas is a little more than a month away, but Pope Francis is in no mood for festivities, arguing that Christmas in a world that has chosen "war and hate" is little more than a charade.
"Christmas is approaching: there will be lights, parties, Christmas trees and nativity scenes...it's all a charade. The world continues to go to war. The world has not chosen a peaceful path," he said in a sermon, according to the Telegraph.
"There are wars today everywhere, and hate," he said referring to Paris terror attacks, the bombing of a Russian airliner, a double suicide bombing in Lebanon and other deadly strikes.
"What shall remain? Ruins, thousands of children without education, so many innocent victims and lots of money in the pockets of arms dealers. Jesus once said: 'You can not serve two masters: Either God or riches.' War is the right choice for him, who would serve wealth: 'Let us build weapons, so that the economy will right itself somewhat, and let us go forward in pursuit of our interests. There is an ugly word the Lord spoke: 'Cursed!' Because He said: 'Blessed are the peacemakers!' The men who work war, who make war, are cursed, they are criminals," Francis continued, according to Vatican Radio.
"We should ask for the grace to weep for this world, which does not recognise the path to peace. To weep for those who live for war and have the cynicism to deny it," the Argentine pontiff said, according to the Daily Mail, adding, "God weeps, Jesus weeps".
He continued: "Those who make war are damned, they're delinquents. War can be 'justified' for many reasons. But when the whole world is at war, as it is today ... there is no justification."
Francis concluded his sermon by highlighting the peace-making work of people like Mother Teresa and calling for prayers that the Christmas season would see everyone seek peace and repentance.
