Pope lights Assisi Nativity scene, laments plight of migrants
December 07, 2015
Pope Francis remotely lit the Christmas tree and Nativity scene at the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Nativity scene was constructed in a boat used by Tunisian migrants who traveled to the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2014.
“How many brothers and sisters have drowned at sea!” the Pope said. “They are with the Lord now.”
The Pope added:
But He came to give us hope, and we must take this hope. He came to tell us that He is stronger than death, that He is greater than any evil. He came to tell us He is merciful, all mercy; and this Christmas I invite you to open your hearts to mercy and forgiveness. But it is not easy to forgive these massacres. It’s not easy.
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Further information:
- Inauguration of the Nativity Scene in Assisi - 2015.12.06 (YouTube, Vatican)
- Pope Francis remotely lights nativity scene in Assisi (Vatican Radio)
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