President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins has shared his annual Christmas message. The leader referenced ongoing conflicts and crises across the globe, calling for readers to "reflect on the challenges that cast a dark shadow over our world."

"This Christmas, we are conscious that across the world there are many people facing the most horrific of circumstances of war and displacement," it read. "We think in particular of all of the children in Gaza and Israel, places known to many as a Holy Land, and that has been darkened by the taking of so many lives, and too many young lives in particular, in recent months."

"The loss of life in each conflict is a stark reminder of the price paid for a lost shared space of diplomacy, of the abuse of power, of the importance that must be attached to the strengthening of the ideals of peace. At this time of multiple, complex global challenges, it has perhaps never been such an important shared task."

President Higgins' Christmas Message 2023 is now available to watch.
"Let us embrace the values of tolerance and mutual respect, recognizing that our differences are the threads that weave the intricate rich fabric of our shared identity." https://t.co/whDyaXDU08

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) December 20, 2023

President Higgins, along with denouncing the wars around world, also called for "courage and detirmination" when dealing with climate change.

"We are at a precarious juncture in what is now an existential battle, one that requires us to rebalance, seek to recover our relationship with nature, one that requires a vital and meaningful change from all of us, in every aspect of our lives," he said.

"The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has warned with ever-increasing urgency over the course of the year of the need for authenticity of commitment, for nations to move beyond words and take the immediate meaningful actions that are needed to avert environmental and social catastrophe."

Read the message in full here.