VATICAN CITY: 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. "So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary. In his homily, Francis said, "Our document of citizenship" comes from God, making respect of migrants an integral part of Christianity. On Christmas Day, Francis will deliver his twice-yearly "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and to the World) blessing and message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.--REUTERS

Source: New Strait Times December 24, 2017 21:33 UTC