In a statement, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) said: “The adoption of the framework convention of the UN on climate change (CCNUCC) by 195 countries in Paris on December 12 represents a great forward step for humanity as a whole.
“For many men and women in our world today, the threat of climate change has become a matter of sheer survival, while virtually every inhabitant of the planet is aware of the danger climate change poses. It was therefore vital for all humanity that an agreement be reached in Paris.
“COMECE hopes this agreement is speedily ratified. The Church and its faithful need to be vigilant to see that the commitments signed up to by the states are translated into concrete action.”
On cheating politicians
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, the Philippines, said: “When a politician cheats, steals, is unfaithful in the service he provides and fails to fulfil promises made, when they ignore the common good or indulge in corruption, which is a plague in the Philippines, then they violate mercy.
“Mercy requires Christians and Muslims to put themselves in each other’s shoes, nurturing feelings of empathy, understanding each other’s feelings and rationale. It also involves learning and forgiving, the only way to achieve reconciliation. Trust needs to be rediscovered and built, starting with the things we have in common: we are human beings, we are Filipino citizens, we are children of Abraham, we have the same dreams for our children.”
Syria’s sad Christmas
Archbishop Jeanbart, the Melkite Metropolitan of Aleppo, Syria, said: “I feel sad at so great a number of Christians leaving the country that has been theirs since the birth of the Church, to see them leave for abroad and in exile, far from their loved ones and from all that allowed them to live harmoniously in a warm-hearted and peaceful society that made them happy, more so than they could be anywhere else.
“I am sad to witness this unjust and ferocious war continue to sow the seeds of terror and insecurity everywhere. I am sad to learn that close to 300,000 people have lost their sacred right to life.
“I am sad, without saying so to the people in my care. But I will say it to the Lord of all mercies this night at Mass, and ask Him to come to our aid. I am sad, dear friends, do not abandon me; accompany me with your prayers and your affection. May this Christmas be for me a source of comfort and for you a source of joy and happiness.”
The day of our salvation
In his Christmas Day message, Pope Francis said: “Christ is born for us, let us rejoice in the day of our salvation! Jesus is the radiant ‘day’ that has dawned on the horizon of humanity.
“A day of mercy, in which God our Father has revealed His great tenderness to the entire world. A day of light, which dispels the darkness of fear and anxiety. A day of peace, which makes for encounter, dialogue and reconciliation.
“Let us allow tears of repentance fill our eyes and cleanse our hearts. Mercy is the most precious gift God gives us, especially during this Jubilee year in which we are called to discover that tender love of our heavenly Father for each of us.
“He alone, He alone can save us. Only God’s mercy can free humanity from the many forms of evil, at times monstrous evil, which selfishness spawns in our midst. The grace of God can convert hearts and offer mankind a way out of humanly insoluble situations.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)