Pope says Christmas season being spoiled by 'commercial pollution'

Published: 2005-12-12

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI said the contemporary Christmas season is being spoiled by "commercial pollution" that obscures the true meaning of Christ's humble birth. People need to remember that Christ was born in a manger, in a sign of poverty, the pope said Dec. 11 as he greeted pilgrims from his apartment window. Later, keeping up a tradition of Pope John Paul II, he blessed Nativity creche figurines of baby Jesus held up by thousands of Italian children in St. Peter's Square. The custom of putting up Nativity scenes in the home is a simple and effective way of bringing back the real meaning of Christmas, the pope said. "In modern society, this time of year unfortunately suffers a type of commercial 'pollution' that risks altering its authentic spirit, which is characterized by reflection, solemnity and a joy that is not external but personal," he said.

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