Vatican City: As Christmas draws near, Pope Francis highlighted the gift of motherhood and the “miracle of life” during the Angelus on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

In his reflection, just days before Christmas, the Pope urged the faithful to recognize God's presence and love, especially in the gift of life and every child carried in a mother’s womb. His message centered on the meeting between the Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, as they rejoiced in the extraordinary gift of motherhood.

In St. Peter’s Square, the Pope pointed out that there were expectant mothers and those with their children. “Let us not remain indifferent to their presence,” he said, urging everyone to admire their beauty and, like Mary and Elizabeth, bless mothers and thank God for the miracle of life.

Amid the Christmas festivities, the Pope emphasized the importance of showing joy whenever we encounter a mother with a child, whether in her arms or in her womb. He called for every motherhood to be blessed, and for God’s name to be praised in all mothers around the world.

Ahead of the customary blessing of the "Bambinelli" — the baby Jesus figures for Nativity scenes — Pope Francis invited the faithful to reflect on whether they thank God for His gift of becoming human, for every child born, and for the sanctity of life from the moment of conception.

He concluded his message with a prayer, asking for the intercession of Mary, blessed among women, to help all experience wonder and gratitude for the mystery of new life.