The pontiff called for abandoning the "warmth of worldliness" and advocated a merciful church that puts itself at the service of the poor. He regrets that "people who lust for power and money exploit their relatives and brothers," Pope Francis said.

Around 4,000 people followed the first Christmas mass after two years of strict corona restrictions on large screens set up on St. Peter's Square. It was "very inspiring to be here," Victoria Machado, who traveled from Mexico with her family, told the AFP news agency.

On Sunday, after his Christmas message, Pope Francis delivers the solemn blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica. He is expected to devote a lot of space to the Ukraine war.