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Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Pope Francis Condemns Gossip, Urges Reform in Vatican Christmas Address
Caption: Pope Francis Condemns Gossip, Urges Reform in Vatican Christmas Address. In his annual Christmas message, Pope Francis urged Vatican officials to avoid gossip and backstabbing, describing such behavior as harmful to both individuals and the broader Church community, CBS News report. The Pope emphasized the importance of humility and self-examination, urging staff to renounce negative thoughts and speak kindly about one another during the holiday season. Francis denounced gossip as a destructive force, saying, “Gossip is an evil that destroys social life, sickens people's hearts, and leads to nothing. Gossip is zero.” The annual Christmas address has become a platform for Francis to call out workplace issues within the Vatican, often highlighting shortcomings and urging reform among its clergy and staff. In previous addresses, Francis has warned of "spiritual Alzheimer's" and hypocrisy among Vatican staff, and in 2022, he described the devil as an "elegant demon" working through rigid behavior. The Pope reiterated his preference for open criticism, encouraging staff to voice concerns directly rather than resorting to secretive complaints. Francis opened his address by condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza, labeling the bombing of children as "cruelty, not war.” The Pope’s address marks the start of a busy Christmas season, including preparations for the Vatican’s Holy Year in 2025, expected to draw 32 million pilgrims to Rome. In a separate address to Vatican lay employees, Francis thanked them for their service, urged them to prioritize family time, and encouraged open dialogue to address workplace concerns. Reports of dissatisfaction among Vatican employees have surfaced, including a class-action lawsuit from museum staff over working conditions and growing fears about pension sustainability. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Condemns,Gossip,Urges,Reform,Vatican,Christmas,Address,Pope Francis,The Pope,Church,Community,Backstabbing,Harmful,Message
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