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Pope Francis also praised the “important priestly presence” of military chaplains, pointing to the moral and spiritual support they provide.
The World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrated annually on Feb. 2, takes on special significance this year as the Church looks to a Jubilee of Consecrated Life.
The document establishes a Christian framework for understanding human intelligence as a gift from God, emphasizing humanity’s relational nature.
“The Word of God is alive: Through the centuries it walks with us and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, it is at work in history,” Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis emphasized that hope is “always possible” in Jesus Christ during an ecumenical vespers service marking both the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
As millions of pilgrims are expected for the jubilee year in Rome, Pope Francis praised the patient service of the Swiss Guard and support for their families.
The pope, who turned 88 last month, has faced a few health challenges in recent months, including a fall requiring his arm to be placed in a sling.
At Pope Francis’ personal initiative, Vatican City employees with three or more children will receive a monthly 300-euro bonus and new fathers will get extended paid leave.
Pope Francis delivered his annual “state of the world” address on Thursday, asking ambassadors to pursue a “diplomacy of hope” in the 2025 Jubilee Year.
Putting a spotlight on the “scourge of child labor,” the Holy Father lamented that there are “too many children forced to work” who are unable to smile or dream.
“The star,” Pope Francis said, “speaks to us of that unique light that can show to all people the way to salvation and happiness, namely that of love.”
“Let us not be afraid to throw open bright windows of closeness to those who are suffering, of forgiveness, of compassion, and reconciliation,” Pope Francis said from the window of the Apostolic Palace on Jan. 5.
Pope Francis encouraged those present to be “people on the journey” who always have the desire to continue, “always with the desire to move forward.”
The Vatican’s missionary agency documented that five pastoral workers were killed in Africa, five in America, and two priests died in violent attacks in Europe.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis presided over Mass during the Night on Christmas Eve after opening the Holy Door to officially start the 2025 Jubilee Year.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025.
“May the weapons be silenced and Christmas carols resound!” Pope Francis insisted on Sunday.
The Vatican’s jubilee organizers say they are neither supporting nor opposing the event while the figures behind it are declining to comment.
Pope Francis met with academic staff participating in the International Congress on the Future of Theology “Heritage and Imagination” conference Dec. 9–10.
While he has appointed 78% of electors, factors including limited gatherings and logistical challenges suggest the next conclave’s outcome remains unpredictable.