Cardinal Antoine Kambanda has called on Christians to share the little that they have with the needy during these difficult times when the Covid-19 pandemic has depleted the welfare and livelihoods of many.

He delivered the message on Thursday, December 24 as he led a Christmas concert which was broadcast live on the national broadcaster.

He said that the joy of Christmas is derived from the fact that the Saviour – Jesus Christ – came to save humans and shield them from the hounding of darkness and death.

Kambanda prayed for peace and protection from troubles and turbulence during these usual Covid-19 end of year holidays.

He said that Jesus Christ was born from moderate accommodation for the poor, and first received by the shepherds who were considered people of low status.

He explained that this was intended to ensure that the salvation that he was bringing to humanity started from low-rank people who were dealing with challenges related to hardship and poverty before spreading to all without leaving anyone behind.

"Christmas is better when shared with the vulnerable, orphans, widows, those who are feeling alone and in despair. We have many of them in this Covid-19 period and they need solace so that they are reminded that they have a saviour,” he said.

He said that the Covid-19 times requires the masses to exercise special caution in order to protect their lives and those of others.

"Brethren, we should attach importance to such sacrifice and love [of Jesus Christ for us] that he shows us through making sacrifice for others,” he said.

Cardinal Kambanda was last week appointed by the Pope to the Vatican's Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (CEP) and put in charge of coordinating the Catholic Church’s global missionary work.