Current times are times of crisis. They present situations that regretfully are in contrast with the festive message of Christmas and that, naturally, are greatly disheartening. The message of the Gospel invites us to celebrate Christmas with a different view of reality and to be filled with hope in this time we are living. This is what we express through our Christmas wishes, when for instance we tell our friends “May the light of Christ illumine us”, “May the mystery of love flood your lives” or when we speak of the “great feast of sharing”.

It is appropriate that these expressions we repeat every year may be understood in their true meaning.

We have more in common with one another than we think. What unites us is much more than what separates us. In every region of the world, in our cities as well as in the most remote places, there are people who for different reasons are looking for a place to live a new life.

In recent weeks two reports have appeared in the media in Latin America and in Italy on the alarming increase in poverty among young people.