Pope denounces ‘consumerist society’ in Christmas homily

Pope Francis used his annual Christmas homily to warn Catholics not to be “intoxicated” by possessions.

“In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism, Jesus calls us to act soberly, in a other words in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential,” he said during midnight mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in front of around 10,000 people.

“Amid a culture of indifference which not infrequently turns ruthless, our style of life should instead be devout, filled with empathy, compassion and mercy, drawn daily from the wellspring of prayer.

“The way of authentic liberation and perennial redemption is open to every man and woman who is simple of heart.”

The pontiff’s mass comes shortly after the start of his “year of mercy”, during which hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to pass through a huge bronze “holy door” and attend special masses and papal audiences. Catholic churches around the world have opened their own holy doors to mark the special year.