Pope Francis delivered two heartfelt Christmas messages at the Vatican on December 21, 2024, emphasizing the importance of humility, family life, and prayer. In his annual address to the Roman Curia, the Pope cautioned against the destructive effects of gossip, highlighting the need for joyful and fraternal harmony within the ecclesial community. He encouraged the members of the Curia to walk the path of humility, refusing to speak ill of one another.
In a separate address to Vatican employees and their families, Pope Francis celebrated the importance of family life, urging special attention to grandparents. He encouraged families to pray together during the Christmas season, emphasizing that prayer is essential for progress, even within the family. The Pope also stressed the importance of teaching children to pray, fostering a sense of faith and spirituality from a young age.
Pope Francis also used the opportunity to thank Vatican employees for their hard work and dedication, likening Vatican City to “a great honeycomb” bustling with activity. He encouraged them to see their daily tasks as a participation in the “hidden Nazareths” of their particular roles, helping to bring humanity closer to Christ. Throughout his messages, the Pope emphasized the value of humble service, reflecting the path of God himself, who shares our human condition through Jesus.