This archive report was first published on 25 December 2019.
Pope Francis ushered in Christmas with a powerful message of love and forgiveness, reminding the world that God's love is unconditional and extends to everyone, regardless of their past mistakes.
Speaking to thousands of people during the Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, the Argentine pontiff said, 'You may have mistaken ideas, you may have made a complete mess of things… but the Lord continues to love you.'
His words were seen as a reference to the Church's recent scandals, including sex abuse, which have shaken the faith of many.
Among those taking part in the Mass were children chosen from countries including Venezuela, Iraq, and Uganda, a clear gesture from the leader of 1.3 billion Catholics who often focuses on the plight of migrants and victims of war.
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis will return to St Peter's Basilica to deliver the traditional papal message to the world.
His message comes as the Church faces intense scrutiny over its handling of clerical abuse and financial scandals. Last week, the Pope introduced sweeping changes to remove the rule of 'pontifical secrecy' that had pervaded the issue of clerical child abuse.
The changes aim to increase transparency and accountability within the Church, and to provide support to victims of abuse.
