By Nicolás de Cárdenas
ACI Prensa Staff, Jan 3, 2025 / 15:20 pm
Pope Francis recently had a heartwarming encounter with a group of children and young people from the Italian Union of Blind and Partially Sighted People at the Vatican’s Clementine Hall. He inspired them to be pilgrims of hope during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
At the start of the audience on Jan. 3, the Holy Father led the group in chanting the theme of the 2025 Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” with increasing enthusiasm until he was pleased with their response, applauding them with a “bravo!”
Pope Francis then urged them to be individuals always on a journey, with a constant desire to progress and never settle. He emphasized the importance of being relentless in moving forward.
In his address, the pontiff highlighted the essence of a pilgrim, who is more than just a traveler, as they have a specific goal in mind – a sacred place that attracts and motivates them, sustaining them through their challenges.
Regarding the 2025 Jubilee, he explained that the objective is to reach a Holy Door that signifies a new beginning, a life liberated from sin, and the freedom to love and serve God and others.
Pope Francis also differentiated between a pilgrim and a traveler, noting that a pilgrim seeks to encounter Jesus, to understand His teachings, and to experience a profound joy that fills the heart with peace, goodness, and tenderness.
He then shared examples of saints like Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, set to be canonized that year, as well as St. Francis, St. Clare of Assisi, and St. XYZ, who exemplify the joy that comes from a deep connection with Jesus.
