All these heightened security measures should immediately be dismantled. Why? The Pope’s own words. These security measures are hardly welcoming to the stranger.
“It is hypocritical to call yourself a Christian and to chase away a refugee, or anyone who needs your help. Jesus taught us what it means to be a good Christian in the parable of the Good Samaritan.” — Pope Francis
“The sad experience of these brothers and sisters recalls that of baby Jesus, who at the time of his birth could not find a place to stay when he was born in Bethlehem….Today the current economic crisis unfortunately fosters attitudes of closure instead of welcome. In some parts of the world walls and barriers are being built. It appears that the silent work of men and women who, in different ways, do what they can to help and assist refugees and migrants is being drowned out by the noise made by those who give voice to an instinctive egoism.” — Pope Francis
“What has happened to you, the Europe of humanism, the champion of human rights, democracy and freedom? What has happened to you, Europe, the home of poets, philosophers, artists, musicians, and men and women of letters? What has happened to you, Europe, the mother of peoples and nations, the mother of great men and women who upheld, and even sacrificed their lives for, the dignity of their brothers and sisters? I dream of a Europe that cares for children, that offers fraternal help to the poor and those newcomers seeking acceptance because they have lost everything and need shelter … I dream of a Europe where being a migrant is not a crime.” — Pope Francis
“We see, for example, how quickly those among us with the status of a stranger, an immigrant, or a refugee, become a threat, take on the status of an enemy. An enemy because they come from a distant country or have different customs. An enemy because of the color of their skin, their language or their social class. An enemy because they think differently or even have a different faith.” — Pope Francis
“In every age, the phenomenon of immigration calls for a response of openness and solidarity. In our own day, the growing influx of refugees fleeing war, famine and poverty is a summons to welcome and care for these brothers and sisters.” — Pope Francis
“Leave them; they are blind guides. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14)
“CHRISTMAS TERROR: Vatican braces for growing ISIS threat in Midnight Mass warning,” by Tom Batchelor, Express, December 24, 2016:
THE Vatican is bracing itself for an increased threat this Christmas after an Islamic State attack killed 12 people in a busy Berlin market.
Visitors to this year’s Christmas Eve Mass can expect heightened security including tougher checks and bag searches.
But despite a heightened threat in recent years the pontiff has refused to change how he conducts the annual ceremony….
This year is likely to be no different with increased checks but no radical changes to the service schedule….