Pope Benedict XVI’s Christmas Addresses the Roman Curia

(December 22, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI said that even if such values as solidarity, commitment to one’s neighbour and responsibility towards the poor and suffering are largely non-controversial, still the motivation is often lacking for individuals and large sectors of society to practise renunciation and make sacrifices. This is essential in our proclamation of the Gospel, by new evangelization, so that message may become event, and proclamation leads to life. The Pontiff was addressing on Thursday in the Vatican all who work in the various offices of the Curia and the Governorate, and the Pontifical Representations throughout the world as he greeted them on the occasion Christmas celebrations. The Pope said that the ecclesial events of the year were all ultimately related to this theme of Evangelisation. This was linked with his Apostolic Journeys during the year and is the theme of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops. He expressed his joy over his trips to Croatia, Spain for the World Youth Day, Germany, and finally to Benin in Africa, to present the post-synodal document on justice, peace and reconciliation. He also recollected all his trips in Italy and specially the world day of peace in Assisi. Pope Benedict said that if faith does not take on new life, deep conviction and real strength from the encounter with Jesus Christ, then all other reforms will remain ineffective. In the midst of crisis in faith in Europe the Pontiff found encouragement in the presence of faith in Africa and among the youth in Spain. Among the youth in particular the Pope felt that there exists catholicity and universality of the Church, the need to feel human, a desire to grow in the worship of Jesus, living the Sacrament of reconciliation, and the spirit of Joy. Ultimately, the Pontiff said it is only faith that gives us certainty and it is good to be a human person, even in difficult times.