Banja Luka Bishop Franjo Komarica said that peace, unity and respect among the Bosnian peoples should be the message to those leading the country, adding that they should not lead them into the abyss and misery.

“We should be the creators of peace, the builders of this town and this country's better future,” Monsignor Komarica told the faithful during the mass at the Banja Luka “St. Bonaventure” cathedral.

He recalled that many Catholics had to leave their homeland, Bosnia who carried with them their faith in God and are celebrating Christmas across Europe, America and Australia.

“Today, we are united in spirit with many of our brothers and sisters who, as Christians, celebrate the beginning of the salvation of mankind across the scattered parishes of this diocese and our homeland,” he said.

He urged all Catholics to show that they are carrying Christmas in their hearts.