The Pope’s Angelus Address on the Feast of St. Stephen
As the world continues to celebrate the Christmas season, Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt Angelus address on the Feast of St. Stephen. The Holy Father took this opportunity to renew his Christmas wishes to the faithful and to highlight the importance of compassion and peace in our troubled world.
In his address, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for the messages of support and closeness he has received during this festive season. He thanked every individual, family, parish, and association for their kindness and generosity.
Reflecting on the Feast of St. Stephen, the Pope emphasized the need for peace and understanding in our world. He called for the remittance of debts, disarmament, and an end to the proliferation of weapons that fuel conflicts and wars around the globe.
Pope Francis also extended his wishes for peace and fraternity to the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah, a time of light and hope. He encouraged everyone to embark on their own spiritual journey to meet Jesus, the source of love, joy, and peace.
As part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Pope opened a Holy Door at the Roman Prison of Rebbibia, symbolizing the transformative power of faith and redemption. He urged people to support initiatives like the ‘Transform Debt into Hope’ campaign by Caritas Internationalis, which aims to alleviate the burden of debt on struggling countries and promote sustainable development.
In his closing remarks, Pope Francis called for collective action against hunger, disease, and child labor, as well as a fervent prayer for peace in conflict-ridden regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, and North Kivu. He wished all the faithful a joyous feast day and encouraged them to continue praying for him and for a more peaceful world.
Let us heed the Pope’s call for compassion, understanding, and peace as we navigate the challenges of our time. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.
