Pope visits Rome parish, acknowledges economic crisis

(December 12, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI visited the parish of Santa Maria delle Grazie on the outskirts of Rome early Sunday morning, where during a Mass he underlined the importance of community spirit and solidarity. In acknowledgement of the economic crisis gripping much of the West, the Pope he remarked that Christmas this year will be difficult. Italians are facing new and higher taxes as the country struggles with a government debt crisis. The Pope told the faithful of the working-class parish he knows that Christmas will be “very difficult,'' but that he wanted to wish all a happy holiday. He said that preparing for Christmas doesn't only mean buying gifts. The Holy Father appealed for solidarity with those in difficulty who are in need of help saying they need both their material help as well as their faith and witness as believers.