According to RIA Novosti, the pontiff noted that the celebration of Christmas is a kind, good tradition, but this year believers should slightly reduce the level of Christmas expenses.
“Let’s make Christmas more modest, with more modest gifts, and what we save, we will send to the Ukrainian people who need it,” the agency quotes the Pope as saying.
According to the pontiff, on Christmas Eve, believers should also think about Ukrainians, this will be a "specific gesture" for them.
In early November, the Vatican announced its readiness to mediate in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, as well as to provide a platform for negotiations. Pope Francis expressed his desire to resolve the crisis in Ukraine peacefully. He also spoke about finding solutions to bring the parties closer. The Vatican is also involved in prisoner exchanges and other humanitarian missions.