Pope Francis shows the gospel during the Christmas night Mass at the St. Petrìs Basilica at the Vatican. Photo: Getty ImagesPope 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. 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.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 24, 2017 21:45 UTC