NEW YORK — It was another tough year for many people around the planet. The pandemic, just as it seemed to be subsiding this fall, rages on thanks to the omicron variant.

Aside from COVID-19, issues such as climate change and the plight of migrants continues to plague nations. International conflicts — whether they be in Taiwan, Ukraine or parts of the Middle East — continue to rattle millions around the globe.

The riots at the U.S. Capitol and the American withdrawal from Afghanistan — both of which were a combination of politics and faith — were two other news stories that dominated the year and will certainly continue to dominate international affairs in the new year.

READ: Desmond Tutu Dies At 90: How Religious And World Leaders Remembered Him

READ: The Best Religion Journalism Of 2021

As 2021 comes to a conclusion, many religious and political leaders took the time this Christmas season to address some of these ills with words of hope and inspiration.

Here’s a roundup of five messages that addressed the problems of the past year with an eye toward a better 2022 and beyond:

Cardinal Wilton Gregory

The Roman Catholic cardinal, who represents Washington, D.C., is one of the preeminent prelates in the United States given that the archdiocese he oversees encompasses the capital.

At Christmas Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle and at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Gregory emphasized how Jesus’ birth continues to show that all people matter to God.

“We long for a hope that the brightness of the light of the world was born to offer us,” he said. “We want our eyes and our hearts to glimpse at a new moment that is filled with hope, peace, justice and compassionate love.”

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

In his annual Christmas sermon, Welby, principal leader of the Church of England and symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, focused on the pandemic. He said vaccinations were a moral issue.

“It’s not about me and my rights to choose,” he said. “It’s about how I love my neighbor.”

The Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I

In his message, Bartholomew I of Constantinople reminded the faithful of the meaning of divine incarnation and invited everyone to accept the gift of science and get vaccinated in this time of pandemic.

The patriarch, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, said, “Science — as long as it works in the service of man — is a priceless gift from God. We must gratefully accept this gift and not be misled by the irresponsible voices of non-experts and those proclaiming themselves representatives of God and ‘spiritual advisors’ of the genuine faith, who contradict themselves woefully, however, due to their lack of love for their fellows, whose lives they expose to great danger.”

He had taken a similar stance during a trip to the U.S this past October, when he made an appearance at Notre Dame University.

Queen Elizabeth

The British monarch, who also serves as the supreme governor of the Church of England, used her annual message to remember her husband, Prince Philip, who died earlier this year.

The queen also addressed the virus — cases of which have risen in England in recent weeks — by saying, “Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year, especially, I understand why.”

Pope Francis

As head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis knows his message transcends those of his own faith. The pope is among one of the world’s most-known leaders, meaning his Christmas message carries with it some weight across the globe.

Pope Francis used his Christmas Day message to warn against desensitization to suffering and strife. He also discussed how COVID-19 has made many problems worse, including loneliness and increased rates of domestic violence.

“Our capacity for social relationships is sorely tried,” he said. “There is a growing tendency to withdraw, to do it all by ourselves, to stop making an effort to encounter others and do things together. We continue to witness a growing number of conflicts, crises and disagreements. These never seem to end and by now we hardly even notice them.”

Clemente Lisi is a senior editor and regular contributor to Religion Unplugged. He is the former deputy head of news at the New York Daily News and teaches journalism at The King’s College in New York City. Follow him on Twitter @ClementeLisi.