As Christians around the world celebrated Christmas on Wednesday, Pope Francis called for peace, urging for cease-fires in active conflict zones and for world leaders to forgive debts that burden the poorest countries.
Speaking to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City for his Christmas blessing, the Pope addressed two military conflicts that have been prominent in his thoughts and public remarks. In relation to Ukraine, he emphasized the need for “the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation and to gestures of dialogue and encounter, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
Additionally, he called for the silencing of arms in the Middle East, expressing concern for Christians in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian situation remains dire. He urged for the delivery of aid to those suffering from hunger and war, as well as for a cease-fire and the release of hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel 14 months ago.
These remarks came a day after the commencement of the Roman Catholic Church’s Holy Year, known as a Jubilee, which occurs every quarter century. On Tuesday evening, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the first pilgrims to enter, with millions more expected throughout the year.
The theme of hope was central to the Jubilee year, and on Wednesday, Francis invited individuals and nations to find the courage to walk through that door, becoming “pilgrims of hope” and working to silence weapons and overcome divisions.
Holy Doors will also be opened in Rome’s main basilicas and in the city’s Rebibbia prison, which the Pope plans to visit on Thursday. He emphasized that Jesus awaits all people, including prisoners, who remain children of God.
Pope Francis delivered his solemn blessing and message, titled “To the City and to the World,” from a balcony on the basilica’s facade. The crowd of tens of thousands cheered as he appeared, while Vatican and Italian bands played the national and pontifical anthems. Francis serves as the sovereign of the Vatican City State.
In his Christmas message, the Pope advocated for peace and dialogue globally, referencing conflicts in Lebanon, Myanmar, Syria, and the Horn of Africa. He highlighted the devastating effects of climate change, which has resulted in loss of life and displacement for millions, and expressed concern for families affected by a measles outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He prayed that the Jubilee would serve as an opportunity to dismantle ideological walls that often characterize political life. In his Christmas Eve homily, he reiterated the theme of hope, encouraging individuals to become “pilgrims in search of truth” and to be open to God’s vision of a new world characterized by peace and justice.
Pope Francis urged the faithful to step out of their comfort zones and consider the needs of others, emphasizing that hope calls for boldness, responsibility, and compassion. He reminded attendees that everyone has the task of bringing hope to places where it has been lost.
The opening of the Holy Door and the Christmas celebrations mark the beginning of a challenging year for the Pope, who recently turned 88 and has been using a wheelchair and cane during public appearances. Numerous events are planned throughout the year, with expectations of a significant influx of pilgrims in addition to the 20 million tourists who visited Rome this year.
Concerns over the Pope’s health have persisted, following hospitalizations for colon surgery in 2021 and for a respiratory infection and hernia in 2023.
After his address, the bands played the anthems again as they marched under his gaze, with the crowd cheering, “Viva il papa” — “Long live the pope.”