In his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas address on December 25, 2024, Pope Francis appealed for an end to conflicts and divisions worldwide. Delivered from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the message served as both a call for global reconciliation and a reflection on the challenges humanity faced throughout the year. The Pope urged “all people of all nations” to find courage to silence arms, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine and the Middle East, and to bridge divides that plague societies.
A Call to Silence Arms and Unite Divided Communities
The Pope’s address highlighted the ongoing violence in Ukraine and the Middle East, singling out the plight of Christian communities in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. “I invite every individual, and all people of all nations, to become pilgrims of hope, to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions,” he said. He also reiterated his call for the release of hostages taken during recent conflicts, particularly in Gaza.
Francis extended his concerns to other regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a deadly measles outbreak has claimed lives amid ongoing conflict, and Myanmar, where violence continues to displace thousands. He also remembered children suffering from hunger, the elderly facing solitude, and refugees forced to flee their homes.
The 2025 Jubilee: A Year of Hope
This Christmas marked the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee, a year dedicated to hope and mercy. The Pope opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, symbolizing God’s ability to “untie every knot” and “tear down every wall of division.” Pilgrims from around the world flocked to the basilica to pass through the door, an act that allows the faithful to seek forgiveness and renewal.
“You feel so humble when you go through the door,” said Blanca Martin, a pilgrim from San Diego. “It’s like a release of emotions, a chance to put everything in the hands of God.”
Addressing Broader Global Issues
The Pope’s speech extended beyond individual conflicts to address systemic challenges. He called for solidarity with those struggling against poverty, job loss, and religious persecution. He urged nations to prioritize humanitarian aid and reconciliation, emphasizing that divisions can be overcome through shared hope and compassion.
The Christmas celebrations in Rome took place against a backdrop of heightened global tension. Security was tight following recent attacks, including a tragic incident at a Christmas market in Germany that claimed five lives. Despite these challenges, the Jubilee celebrations drew an estimated 32 million faithful to Rome, demonstrating the enduring power of faith and hope.
A Message for Humanity
Pope Francis concluded his address by reminding the world of the transformative power of unity and mercy. “This Holy Year invites us to become artisans of peace and builders of bridges,” he said. As the Jubilee year begins, his message underscores the need for collective action to heal a divided and wounded world.