Pope's Christmas message: Hope and peace for the world!

Pope's Christmas message: Hope and peace for the world!

Vatican City, December 25, 2024 – In his moving Christmas message, Pope Francis called on the world to peace and announced a renewal of hope in times of global conflict. The message, announced before the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, emphasizes the importance of the birth of Jesus Christ, which represents not only a historical event, but also a call to return to love and forgiveness. The Pope brought the message that the doors of God's heart are always open and encouraged all people to follow this path of reconciliation. How Kathpress reported, Francis particularly highlighted the need to silence the guns in conflict zones such as Ukraine and the Middle East and called for a ceasefire to ease humanitarian crises.

As part of his message, the Pope also opened the Holy Year 2025 with the symbolic opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica, which represents the gateway to salvation for believers. This tradition, which dates back to the Middle Ages, has the special ability to move people to conversion and faith. The opening of the Holy Door means that throughout the year pilgrims will have the opportunity to take part in the indulgences associated with this anniversary, such as Vatican News explained in detail.

The opening of the Holy Year coincides with the holidays and is therefore a powerful symbol of new beginnings and the hope for peace for all people. The Pope called for people to overcome divisions and work together to heal the world by passing through the Gate of Mercy. This is done in the spirit of Advent, in which believers are reminded to promote good in the world, looking not only at the conflicts, but also at the opportunities to spread salvation and faith.