Pope Francis emphasized the message of hope during the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, encouraging people to break free from mediocrity and take courageous steps to create change. The pontiff, marking the 12th Christmas of his papacy, also inaugurated the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, a time of forgiveness and spiritual renewal, which is expected to attract 32 million pilgrims to Rome.
In his homily, Francis reflected on the humble birth of Jesus as a source of hope, reminding Catholics worldwide of their potential to make an impact. “Hope calls us to challenge what is wrong and find the courage to transform our world,” he said.
The Holy Year, or Jubilee, is a tradition observed every 25 years, offering pilgrims the opportunity to obtain indulgences. The special bronze “Holy Door” at St. Peter’s Basilica, opened by the pope at the start of the ceremony, will remain accessible to visitors through January 6, 2026.
Addressing a congregation of around 6,000 inside the basilica and 25,000 more gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope reiterated his call for developed nations to ease the debt burden of low-income countries. He described the Jubilee as “a time of renewal and a call for fairness,” advocating for global debt relief similar to that achieved during the Jubilee of 2000.
Despite battling a cold, the 88-year-old pope appeared in good spirits, with only a slightly raspy voice. On Christmas Day, he will deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing and address.
