In King Charles III first Christmas Broadcast as monarch, he says “Christmas is a particularly poignant time for all of us who have lost loved ones.”

He says for those who have lost someone you feel their absence at every familiar turn of the season and remember them in each cherished tradition.

“In the much-loved carol ‘O little town of Bethlehem,’ we sing of how, ‘in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.’ My mother’s belief in the power of that light was an essential part of her faith in God, but also have faith in people, and it is one which I share with my whole heart. It is a belief in the extraordinary ability of each person to touch with goodness and compassion the lives of others and to shine a light in the world around them.”

His Majesty reflected on Queen Elizabeth II’s faith in people and thanks those who have given their time to help others.

Pope Francis called for an end to the war in Ukraine and other conflicts in his Christmas message on Sunday.  He said the world was suffering from a “famine of peace”.

Speaking to tens of thousands from the central balcony of St. Peter Basilica, Pope Francis urged people to look beyond the “shallow holiday glitter” and help the homeless, immigrants, refugees and the poor seeking comfort, warmth and food.

The Pope also mentioned Ukraine saying, “”Let us also see the faces of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who are experiencing this Christmas in the dark and cold, far from their homes due to the devastation caused by ten months of war.”