On Christmas Day, Pope Francis delivered his traditional Urbi et Orbi address from St. Peter’s Square, calling on world leaders to champion peace and dialogue as the Catholic Church ushers in the 2025 Jubilee Year. Amidst a global audience, he urged the cessation of hostilities and the fostering of unity, emphasizing the necessity of turning to what he called the “Father of Mercies” to achieve a “just and lasting peace.”
The Pope, speaking from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, highlighted the importance of becoming “pilgrims of hope.” He invited individuals and nations alike to open their hearts to the message of peace, drawing a connection between the Christmas celebration and the Jubilee Year, a period traditionally marked by forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation.
In his address, Pope Francis specifically prayed for peace in regions plagued by conflict, such as Ukraine, the Middle East, Myanmar, Sudan, and other areas. He called for “boldness” in negotiating peace, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East, and advocated for dialogue and encounter as tools for overcoming political divisions in countries like Myanmar, Haiti, Venezuela, Colombia, Nicaragua, and Cyprus.
The Pope’s message was not only a plea for peace but also a call to action, urging political leaders to work towards the common good and respect the dignity of every person during this Jubilee Year. His speech highlighted the symbolic opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, an act that signifies the beginning of the Jubilee, encouraging all to walk through this metaphorical door as an act of hope and reconciliation.
