Pope Francis strongly defended immigrants at his Christmas Eve Mass on Sunday, comparing them to Mary and Joseph finding no place to stay in Bethlehem and saying faith demands that foreigners be welcomed. Security was stepped up, with participants checked as they approached St. Peter’s Square even before going through metal detectors to enter the basilica. The square had been cleared out hours earlier so security procedures could be put in place. They were men and women to be kept at a distance, to be feared.”Franco Origlia via Getty Images Pope Francis kisses the Baby Jesus as he arrives at the St. Peter's Basilica for the Christmas Eve Mass. In his homily, Francis said, “Our document of citizenship” comes from God, making respect of migrants an integral part of Christianity.

Source: Huffington Post December 24, 2017 22:18 UTC