Archbishop Eamon Martin has condemned wars in Gaza, Ukraine and other parts of the world in his Christmas homily.
Archbishop Martin said he prayed for those who are lonely, isolated, struggling, poor, sick or in need.
He spoke of Mary carrying Christ in her womb as she wandered through Bethlehem with Joseph "hoping that someone would find it in their heart to invite them in".
Speaking in St Patrick's Cathedral in Co Armagh, he continued: "Sadly, in many ways it's the same today, because in these troubled times of war and violence, fear and uncertainty, it is as if Christ is standing before the whole world this Christmas, knocking to be let in, urging our world to open its heart to him.
"We continue to watch with concern the situation in Gaza, Ukraine and other parts of our world where war causes such death, devastation, displacement of people and heart break.
"And even here, on the island of Ireland, there are people still struggling to get by, to find shelter in the night, food in the day, and love always."
Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell called for people to have the courage to be compassionate in difficult situations.
Speaking in St Mary's Cathedral, he said: "Jesus' way is not the way of violence and exclusion, imposing limits and constructing barriers, but of welcome.
"Jesus’ way is a way of acceptance and welcome."
He added: "In this context we might examine our response to those who come to us seeking refuge. We might do well to make our own the perspective of Pope Francis, and ask if a "culture of encounter" is possible, a country in which no one is excluded, in which we genuinely realise that we are all sisters and brothers, and see each other as such?"
Pope Leo condemns 'senselessness' of war
In Pope Leo's first Christmas message, he condemned the "senselessness" of war and the "open wounds" it leaves behind.
spoke of Gaza during a mass in St Peter's basilica, saying: "How... can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold."
"Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds," the pope said at the mass in St Peter's Basilica.
