On Thursday, 26th December 2024, the Holy Father Francis graced the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to lead the Angelus prayer alongside nearly 30,000 faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
In honor of St. Stephen, the first martyr in history, Pope Francis urged prayers for persecuted Christians who sacrificed their lives for their faith. He emphasized the importance of imitating the martyrs in spreading the message of salvation and forgiveness to all.
Here are the Pope’s inspiring words from the introduction of the Marian prayer:
Words of the Pope
Dear brothers and sisters, happy feast day! Happy feast day to everyone.
Reflecting on the life of St. Stephen, Pope Francis highlighted his remarkable act of forgiveness towards his persecutors, mirroring Jesus’ love and sacrifice. Stephen’s selfless gesture serves as a reminder of God’s desire for the salvation of all humanity and His unwavering forgiveness.
The Pope acknowledged the ongoing persecution of Christians worldwide and praised their courage in spreading the message of salvation, even to those who harm them. He shared the story of Blessed Christian de Chergé, who showed kindness to his future killer.
Asking the audience to examine their own desires for spreading God’s love and praying for those who cause suffering, Pope Francis invoked the intercession of Mary, Queen of Martyrs, to empower them as witnesses of the Gospel.
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After the Angelus
Dear brothers and sisters,
Following the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the messages and support received during the Christmas season. He extended his wishes for peace and fraternity to the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah.
He greeted the Romans and pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, emphasizing the significance of approaching Jesus for love, joy, and peace. The Pope also opened a Holy Door at the Roman Rebibbia prison as a symbol of hope and forgiveness.
Pope Francis urged support for the “Turn debt into hope” campaign by Caritas Internationalis to alleviate burdensome debts in struggling countries and promote development.
He called for global efforts towards disarmament, addressing issues like hunger, disease, and child labor. The Pope pleaded for prayers for peace in conflict-ridden regions worldwide, including Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, North Kivu, and others.
As the day concluded, Pope Francis wished everyone a joyous celebration and requested prayers for himself. He encouraged the audience to enjoy their meals and bid farewell with a heartfelt “arrivederci!”
