On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt message urging the world to embrace courage and hope to enact positive change. Reflecting on the humble birth of Jesus Christ, the Pope highlighted that everyone holds the potential to make meaningful contributions to a better world.
A Call to Action for Change
Celebrating his 12th Christmas as pontiff, Pope Francis presided over a solemn Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. In his sermon, he centered on the theme of hope, the guiding principle for the upcoming 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which is expected to draw over 32 million pilgrims to Rome.
The pontiff urged:
“Hope is a summons not to tarry, to be kept back by our old habits, or to wallow in mediocrity or laziness. Hope calls us … to be upset with things that are wrong and to find the courage to change them.”
Opening the Jubilee Year
At the start of the ceremony, Pope Francis officially opened the Jubilee Year by unlocking the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. The door, adorned with bronze panels, is opened only during Jubilee years, symbolizing a path to spiritual renewal and forgiveness. Pilgrims passing through the door can receive special indulgences for the remission of their sins.
The 2025 Jubilee Year will extend until January 6, 2026, marking a period of peace, reconciliation, and spiritual reflection. The Pope called for this Jubilee to be a time of profound transformation for individuals and nations alike.
Debt Relief for Developing Nations
Building on themes from previous jubilees, Francis reiterated a plea for wealthier nations to alleviate the financial burdens of low-income countries.
“A time of jubilee for the poorer countries burdened beneath unfair debts; a time of jubilee for all those who are in bondage to forms of slavery old and new,” he proclaimed.
This echoes a similar initiative by Pope John Paul II during the 2000 Jubilee, which spurred a global movement leading to the cancellation of $130 billion in debt between 2000 and 2015.
Health and Upcoming Address
Despite battling a cold, Pope Francis appeared in good spirits, although his voice showed slight raspiness. On Christmas Day, the pontiff will deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message and blessing, addressing global concerns and offering prayers for peace and unity.
Through his Christmas Eve message, Pope Francis reinforced the themes of hope, transformation, and compassion, inspiring people worldwide to work towards a just and harmonious future.
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