Social media platforms are abuzz with claims that Pope Francis plans to replace Christmas with a "Feast of Peace" or "Party of Peace." These allegations are baseless, with no credible evidence supporting them. Here's a detailed look at the facts and why this misinformation has gained traction.
The Origin of the Claim
The rumor appears to have started with a now-deleted article published by the Argentinian news outlet El Cronista. The piece suggested that Pope Francis announced a major shift in Catholic tradition, replacing Christmas with a celebration focused on peace. However, the article has since been removed, and El Cronista has not responded to requests for comment. Social media users have circulated screenshots of the article, further amplifying the false claim.
Refuting the Allegations
The Catholic Church has made no announcements indicating any changes to the Christmas celebration. On the contrary, Vatican News, the official news outlet of the Holy See, has already published the Pope's Christmas schedule, which includes traditional liturgies emphasizing the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
Key events on the Pope's Christmas calendar include:
Christmas Eve: The Jubilee of Hope Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, including the ceremonial opening of the Holy Door.
Christmas Day: The traditional Urbi et Orbi address and blessing.
December 26: Mass for the Feast of Saint Stephen.
January 6: Celebration of the Epiphany.
January 12: Mass for the Baptism of the Lord in the Sistine Chapel.
Nowhere in the schedule is there any mention of a "Feast of Peace."
Addressing Misinformation
The false claim appears to recycle older conspiracy theories that portray Pope Francis as attempting to undermine Christian traditions. These include unfounded assertions linking him to Satanism or suggesting that he wants to replace Christmas to appease other religious groups, such as Muslims. These allegations have been thoroughly debunked multiple times by credible sources.
The Pope’s Consistent Call for Peace
While Pope Francis often uses his Christmas messages to advocate for peace, this is entirely consistent with Christian teachings and has no bearing on the core celebrations of Christmas. For instance:
In 2023: The Pope drew attention to the suffering of children in war zones, likening them to "little Jesuses of today."
In 2022: He condemned violence in Ukraine and called for aid to vulnerable groups, including the homeless and refugees.
These heartfelt messages highlight the ongoing relevance of Jesus Christ's message of peace and hope, without altering the essence of Christmas.
Source: Euronews
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