In Europe, Christmas is being stripped of its true nature "in the name of a false respect for those who are not Christian."

The pope took particular aim at areas of global tension where President Donald Trump is playing a critical role.

Standing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on a clear, crisp Christmas day, Pope Francis spoke about the world's children before formally giving his blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

“So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary,” Pope Francis said. “We see the tracks of entire families forced to set out in our own day.”

Following the typical protocol, Francis presided over a final prayer, a blessing with incense and the sprinkling of holy water around Law's coffin.

Pope Francis has long recognized that the reform of the Roman Curia, which he began in 2013, is a difficult task.