Christians Across Tri-State, World Celebrate Christmas
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - From the Vatican to Bethlehem to Midtown, Christians across the world and Tri-State Area are celebrating Christmas.
At the Vatican, Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message to tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square. In his Urbi et Orbi address, the pontiff prayed for hope and peace. He expressed his concern for refugees, hostages and others suffering in the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine.
In Bethlehem, the faithful flocked to the Church of the Nativity to hear a message of hope and pray for peace.
Worshipers also attended Christmas Day Mass at churches across the area.
The celebrations here began with Midnight Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Services are taking place throughout the day.
Speaking on NBC's "Today Show," Cardinal Timothy Dolan talked about the meaning of Christmas, especially in the midst of recent turmoil.
"You see all the violence. You see all the war. You see all the poverty. You see all the crises that we got and every once in a while you think 'What is going on? Is there any way out of this?'" Dolan said. "This, what we traditionally look at Christmas, is God's rescue mission. God says there is a way out of it: Me."
During Christmas Day, worshipers continued to stream in to the cathedral, many praying for calm and unity, CBS2's Steve Langford reported.
"Just, you know, we have peace in the city. Because there's a lot going on right now," Bronx resident Darryl Williams told Langford. "I just hope that everyone comes together and enjoys the season and try to come together as one instead of being against each other."
"You know it's easy to be very aware of the tension and the sadness and our own feelings of anger or regret and fear some days, but it's really uplifting to see families and I'm here with my family," Christina Jacobs said.
Many were thinking about slain officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos.
"My heart goes out to their families, and to anyone who dies from violence," Bobby Dee told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell. "I pray for God to end the anger and confusion and fear that we all have at different times."
"Just, everyone, peace, and try to get along," Joanne Mackey told Haskell.
"I'm praying for the health and well-being of my friends and family," a Kathleen Dee told Haskell.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine expected a full house Christmas Day.
"This season of new birth and new light is particularly meaningful and particularly needed in these dark times," said Rev. Julia Whitworth.
The final Christmas Day Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral was held at 5:30 p.m.
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