This year, we think about the many children who did not find a place in our societies. Just like Jesus who didn't find a place the night he was born.
We think about the children, sons and daughters of migrants: how many images of sorrow we have seen from the Mediterranean sea!
This year Christmas is also the celebration of all the children who have been saved, through the humanitarian corridors.
They arrived safely in our country, in Europe, saved from war.
Christmas is also the celebration of a family: not only my family or yours, but the whole human family. In fact we of Sant'Egidio look at the world as a universal fraternity where there should be a place for all especially for those who are weak and more vulnerable.
For them we prepare a feast, the Christmas Lunch, where no one is excluded - especially those who are excluded throughout the year.
Christmas is also a celebration of peace. And from Sant'Egidio we send our wish of Peace to all the world. Peace for our cities, may everyone find a place. Peace for all who suffer because of war.
May each of us do their part on Christmas, offer their help so that it may be Christmas for the children, for the marginalised, the feast of a family, a Christmas of peace.
From Sant'Egidio, Merry Christmas!

Marco Impagliazzo
President of the Community of Sant'Egidio