HOW POPE FRANCIS HOPES PURSUIT OF PEACE FOR ADVENT LEADS TO CEASEFIRE, HAVE RESPECTFUL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS (375 hits)
For Immediate Release From Vatican News!
(A Ten-Minute Read)
Pope At Angelus: Be Vigilant And Turn Your Gaze To Heaven
At the midday Angelus on the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis encourages us to turn our gaze to heaven and to open our hearts to the Lord who carries our burdens and sustains us on our journey. By Thaddeus Jones
Pope Francis led the customary Angelus prayer on this first Sunday of Advent and reflected on the Gospel reading in which Jesus speaks to us about cosmic upheavals and the anxieties and fears humanity faces. The reading recounts how the Lord offers words of hope and encouragement. When speaking of the coming of the Son of Man, He tells his disciples to stand up and raise their heads to heaven as their redemption is at hand.
The Pope explained how the Lord's concern is that the disciples' hearts do not grow "drowsy" with earthly concerns and that "they await the coming of the Son of Man with vigilance."
Look To Lord With Trust
Persecutions, wars and natural disasters made up the catastrophic events of many of Jesus’ contemporaries, the Pope pointed out, and anxieties for the future and the end of the world abounded. The Lord knows their hearts are burdened with fear, the Pope observed, and He helps the disciples be free of worldly anxieties and false convictions of security, by showing them how to be vigilant with their minds and hearts, remembering God's plan for salvation even amidst the most dramatic events of history. He explained that by turning our gaze to heaven, we can better put into context the challenges in our lives as we journey to the Lord.
Pope After Angelus: ‘Pursuit Of Peace Is Responsibility Of All’
Reflecting on the upcoming Christmas season, Pope Francis warned that if “desensitization and indifference to the horrors of war prevail, all of humanity is defeated.” By Kielce Gussie
“I hope that the glimmer of peace that has emerged can lead to a ceasefire on all other fronts,” Pope Francis stated after praying the Angelus on December 1st. He was referring to the ceasefire agreement reached between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel to end 13 months of fighting.
Building upon this, the Pope also challenged the Lebanese people to elect a president. “As soon as possible,” he encouraged, “so that institutions can return to normal functioning, proceed with the necessary reforms, and ensure the country remains an example of peaceful coexistence among different religions.”
However, both Israel and Hezbollah accuse the other of breaching the ceasefire agreement as there have been reports the Israeli air force struck a Hezbollah facility one day after the ceasefire was signed.
‘War Offends God’
Pope Francis continued to express his concern for other areas of the world in conflict, including Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine. He shared his deep concern for the release of Israeli hostages and petitioned once again that “humanitarian aid to the exhausted Palestinian population” be available.
Speaking of the approaching winter season, the Pope remembered “martyred Ukraine” in the midst of a conflict that has been raging for almost three years. He called the combination of war and cold temperatures “tragic” and underscored that for the millions of displaced people, winter will be difficult. Pope Francis renewed his challenge to the international community “and to every man and woman of good will, to do everything possible to stop this war and to promote dialogue, fraternity, and reconciliation.”
Peace Is Not The Responsibility Of A Few
With the start of Advent and the countdown to Christmas beginning, the Pope called to renew efforts to provide aid and hope to those living in war-torn countries. “The pursuit of peace is not the responsibility of a few but of all,” he stated, because if “desensitization and indifference to the horrors of war prevail, all of humanity is defeated.”
A Milestone In South America
The Pope also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Argentina and Chile, which was signed on November 29, 1984. With Pope John Paul II, the Holy See's mediation led to a descalation of a territorial dispute between the two countries. Pope Francis used this as an example that when "we renounce the use of arms and engage in dialogue, we are on the right path."
Pope: Lack Of Respect For Religious Values Leads To Intolerance
In his address to participants in the "All Religions' Conference" in the Vatican taking place on 29-30 November, Pope Francis highlights the value of dialogue in a global context marked by "intolerance and hatred." By Edoardo Giribaldi
Decrying discrimination "based on differences," which for many Pope Francis said, has become a "daily experience," he pointed to the sharing of “spiritual truths” and “values” among different faiths.
“The lack of respect for the noble teachings of religions is one of the causes of the troubled situation in which the world finds itself today,” the Pope said to faith leaders and representatives gathered in the Vatican to mark centenary celebrations of the all-religion conference organized by the “Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust”.
The Social Reform of Sree Narayana Guru
Upholding the legacy of Sree Narayana Guru, the Pope said the Hindu "spiritual guide" and "social reformer" dedicated his life to the promotion of "social and religious upliftment."
By opposing the caste system, he spread the message that "all human beings, regardless of their ethnicity or their religious and cultural traditions, are members of one single human family," he said, insisting that there should be no discrimination against anyone, at any level, or in any form.
"Religions Together For A Better Humanity"
A message that, one hundred years later, resonates at the "Conference of All Religions" organized with the support of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The theme of the gathering, "Religions Together for a Better Humanity," is described by the Pope as "truly relevant and important for our times."
The "world today," Pope Francis noted, is indeed marked by "increasing cases of intolerance and hatred among peoples and nations."
Instances of "discrimination and exclusion, tension and violence" based on "differences in ethnic or social origin, race, colour, language, and religion," he said, have become "a daily experience for many individuals and communities", especially for the poor, the defenceless, and the voiceless.
Churches In Jerusalem Call For Respectful Christmas Celebrations Amid War
Following last year's decision to forgo the public display of Christmas lights and decorations in solidarity with those suffering war in Gaza, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem are inviting their respective communities to fully commemorate the birth of Christ “by giving public signs of Christian hope" amid ongoing war. By Lisa Zengarini
As Christmas approaches with no signs of a ceasefire in Gaza, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have invited their communities to celebrate in ways that express Christian hope but also respect the hardships endured by the Gaza population amid the ongoing war.
In 2023, the Church leaders made a joint decision to ask Christians in the Holy Land to refrain from displaying Christmas decorations and lights in public places as a means of standing in solidarity with the multitudes suffering from the newly erupted war between Hamas and Israel.
Witnessing The Christmas Message Of Hope
However, they said in a recent statement, that the announcement led many to think that the Christmas celebrations in the Holy Land had been cancelled, with the result “that the unique witness to the Christmas message of light emerging out of darkness was diminished”, not only around the world but also among local Christians.
The Church leaders of Jerusalem are, therefore, encouraging the faithful this year "to fully commemorate“ the birth of Christ “by giving public signs of Christian hope.” At the same time, they also called upon them to do so “in ways that are sensitive to the severe hardships that millions in our region continue to endure”.
Celebrating In Solidarity With Those Suffering War In The Holy Land
“The celebrations,” the statement reads, “should certainly include upholding them continuously in our prayers, reaching out to them with deeds of kindness and charity, and welcoming them as Christ himself has welcomed each of us.”
"In this way ," the Christian leaders concluded, "we will echo the Christmas story itself, where angels announced to shepherds the joyful news of Christ's birth amidst equally dark times in our region, offering them and the entire world a message of divine hope and peace."
Palestinian President to attend Christmas Eve Mass in Bethlehem
The President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas has also called for limiting Christmas celebrations in the Holy Land to religious rituals given the hardships of the Palestinian people. He did so during a meeting this week with the Custodian of the Holy Land, Father Francesco Patton, and the Vice-Custodian Father Ibrahim Faltas, who, as customary, formally invited him to attend the Christmas Eve Mass on December 24th at the Church of St. Catherine in Bethlehem. At the meeting, the Palestinian President extended his Christmas greetings to Palestinian Christians and reiterated his hope for peace.
Pope: Climate Change Impacts Poorest And Requires Global Cooperation
Pope Francis sends a message to a conference in Rome that brought together Cardinals and experts to discuss climate change and its negative effects on the most vulnerable. By Kielce Gussie
About 30% of the world’s population has been exposed to deadly heat waves more than 20 days each year, according to the UN Environment Programme.
In a seminar on November 28 in Rome hosted by the embassies of Cuba, Bolivia, and Venezuela to the Holy See, several Cardinals and representatives from these countries came together to discuss the global impacts of the ongoing environmental crisis.
Pope Francis sent a letter to participants, issuing them a warning: climate change impacts the “poorest nations” and its signs “cannot be hidden or disguised.”
Man Must Not Be A Tyrant
Speaking on the deteriorating environmental crisis facing the world, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, stressed it is time to move “from words to action.” He said the answer to this challenge must be based on the Social Doctrine of the Church.
“Dominion over nature”—the task which God gave humanity—should not become “tyrannical.” It must be a “relationship of reciprocity” with the environment, he said.
The Cardinal cautioned against the “harmful” consequences of technological development and reiterated the Holy See’s commitment to protecting the environment, enumerating examples, like the Vatican installing solar panels and shifting to electric vehicles.
Climate Change Is ‘Undeniable’
Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, emphasized humanity's vocation to care for the environment. “The world is not an accident but an intentional act of God” and everyone is called to be a “co-creator.”
The Cardinal emphasized that those most affected by climate change are the most vulnerable. The way the environment has been treated, Cardinal Turkson said, is “a tragic and glaring example of structural sin.”
Pope to healthcare workers: Your job goes beyond curing symptoms Pope Francis celebrates the 800th anniversary of the University of Naples Federico II by urging its medical community to uphold compassion, ethics, and care. By Francesca Merlo
Pope Francis on Friday addressed a group of dentists from a university in Naples, celebrating 800 years since its foundation.
Founded as the world’s first state-sponsored university, Pope Francis noted that the University of Naples Federico II "has carried the vision of its founder—promoting universal knowledge and serving the common good."
Speaking to those working in the medical field, the Pope highlighted the timeless relevance of the motto that continues to guide medical professionals: Primum non nocere, secundum cavere, tertium sanare—first, do no harm; second, take care; third, heal.
This triad, the Pope explained, remains a guiding light in the field of medicine, saying each step offers profound wisdom.
Do No Harm
Speaking of the first principle, do no harm, the Pope Francis emphasised its importance in practice, noting that it calls for a realism that acknowledges the pain and suffering a patient already endures.
Doctors must always act in a way, recalling that their duty is to alleviate, not exacerbate, pain.
Reflecting then on the second principle, to take care, the Pope reflected that it is God's call.
“God is near, compassionate, and tender,” the Pope said, urging all those present to extend this divine style to their patients.
He recounted a personal story from his early twenties, when part of his lung had to be removed.
“Yes, they gave me medicine, but what gave me the most strength was the hand of the nurses who, after giving me injections, held my hand. This human tenderness does so much good!” he said.
This principle, the Pope explained, goes beyond treating symptoms. It means caring for the whole person—their body, mind, and spirit.
Heal
Pope Francis called on medical professionals to emulate Christ, who healed every kind of illness and infirmity.
Healing, he said, is more than a profession; it is a sacred act. He urged doctors to find joy in the good they bring to those who suffer, drawing on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which describes the Church’s mission as “healing every wound and reconciling humanity.”
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is marked annually on the 29th of November. This year, amidst utter destruction, the world's gaze is on Gaza, where mothers are too hungry to breastfeed, and aid trucks can scarcely deliver. By Francesca Merlo
The International Day of Solidarity for the Palestinian people has been observed on the 29th of November for almost 50 years. Since its establishment by the United Nations in 1977, the day has served as a global reminder of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, as well as the continued hope for a peaceful resolution to decades long instability.
This hope includes the possibility of the partition of Palestine, or the two-state solution, for which Pope Francis, too, has affirmed and reaffirmed his support, including most recently during his General Audience on the 22nd of November, in which he emphasised the importance and the urgency of dialogue and recognition between Israelis and Palestinians.
Should young people seek job security or follow their dreams when choosing a career path? One young Indian Catholic explores her struggle with that choice, and finds creative ways to preach Christ through her art. By Sr. Florina Joseph, SCN
Jessie Guldevkar, a 26-year-old Catholic from Nagpur, India, evangelizes those near and far and preaches Christ through her works of art.
The first-born to her parents, Jessie grew up in humble surroundings. From a young age, she filled every empty space she could find with drawings. Little Jessie’s joy came from holding her tiny pencil, adding paint to her brush and laying it on plain spaces.
The Journey
Despite her love for art, Jessie set aside her passion during her teenage years. Her family couldn’t afford elementary art classes, and she didn’t see art as a sustainable career.
As the eldest child, she took on responsibilities that made pursuing her dreams difficult. After 10th grade, Jessie followed her peers' advice and enrolled in a polytechnic diploma, aiming to eventually pursue engineering, a field she believed would offer job security.
However, once she began her diploma, she quickly realized that this wasn’t her calling. Academic challenges set her back a year, and during this time, she began attending daily Mass and joined the Jesus Youth movement. She also got involved in Parish activities and out of interest began decorating the altar.
After graduating with her diploma, Jessie felt pressure to secure a job since her family couldn’t support her through further education. Jessie shared her struggles with a friend who unexpectedly offered to help her pursue a degree, an act she later described as “a concrete intervention from the Lord.”
While discerning her next steps in the chapel, Jessie thought of the parable of the hidden talents. She felt a divine calling to rekindle her love for art. Courageously, she chose to pursue a degree in fine arts at a college in Nagpur, where she returned to her creative roots.
Christ And Art
At first, Jessie’s paintings adorned her own room, strengthening her relationship with Christ each time she looked at them. Inspired to share that feeling with others, she began gifting her artwork as reminders of God’s goodness. Her work started to gain recognition, and friends encouraged her to turn her passion into a career.
“I want to glorify the Lord through my art,” says Jessie, in an interview with Vatican News. She believes God guided her to establish Christ and Art (Instagram), her platform for evangelizing through visual storytelling of saints and Bible verses.
“I’ve made friends with many saints. Each time I paint a saint, I get to know them better and love sharing their stories,” she reflects. Her work has helped others learn about lesser-known saints and their lives. Gifting these pieces brings Jessie “the purest form of joy.”
Some of her most powerful works, like her depiction of Christ’s crucified feet, emerged during times of personal struggle. This particular piece continues to remind her to surrender everything at the feet of the Lord.
Pope: Church Needs Theological Reflection On Synodality Centered On Christ
Pope Francis meets with the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Theological Commission, and invites Catholic theologians to develop a theology of synodality that puts Christ at the center. By Devin Watkins
As the Pontifical Theological Commission holds its Plenary Session, Pope Francis praised its work on a document to shed light on the profession of faith of the Council of Nicaea.
The 2025 Jubilee marks the 1,700th anniversary of the first Ecumenical Council, which developed the Nicene Creed stating that the Son is consubstantial with the Father.
“A document of this sort could prove invaluable, in the course of the Jubilee Year, to nourish and deepen the faith of believers and, based on the figure of Jesus, to offer insights and reflections useful for a new cultural and social paradigm inspired by the humanity of Christ,” he said during the audience with participants on Thursday.
Theology Done ‘Close To Heart Of Jesus’
In this same vein, Pope Francis invited all theologians to always put Christ at the center of their studies, while also developing a theology of synodality.
The Holy Year, he said, offers an opportunity to rediscover the face of Christ, saying theologians need to place their head “close to the heart of Jesus,” as did the Apostle John at the Last Supper.
“By remaining close to the heart of the Lord, your theology will draw from the source and bear fruit in the Church and in the world,” he said.
The Pope noted that theology should seek to foster an encounter with Christ for all the faithful, even those who have not undertaken higher studies.
“In Jesus,” he said, “we come to know the face of God and, at the same time, the face of humanity, and thus realize that we are sons and daughters in the Son and brothers and sisters of one another.”
This fraternity, he added, should guide Christians to foster peace and justice, especially in our world marred by conflict.
