Greetings, Distinguished Guests,
Today, we gather for a meeting that goes beyond mere formality; it is a gathering of families – a moment where the family of nations comes together to exchange warm wishes, set aside differences, and focus on what unites us. As we embark on this significant year for the Catholic Church, our coming together holds a special significance. The Jubilee calls for a pause from the fast-paced daily life to reflect on the essentials, to reconnect with our identity as children of God, to seek forgiveness, support the vulnerable, uphold justice, and restore hope. It is a call to all who strive for the common good, especially in the realm of politics.
I extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you. I am grateful to Ambassador George Poulides, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, for his kind words reflecting your shared sentiments. Your representation of your nations and governments, as well as the warmth and respect for the Apostolic See, is truly appreciated. The past year has seen significant milestones, from the visits of over thirty Heads of State to the signing of important agreements, such as the renewal of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China regarding the Appointment of Bishops.
Reciprocating this affection, I have embarked on Apostolic Journeys to distant lands like Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste, as well as closer destinations such as Belgium and Luxembourg. These journeys provide opportunities to engage with diverse cultures, offer words of encouragement, and bring comfort to those in need, reflecting the universal message of unity and peace.
As we enter this Jubilee year, I extend special thanks to the Italian authorities for their efforts in preparing Rome for the occasion. The city’s transformation, though accompanied by inconveniences, has enhanced public spaces and services for the benefit of citizens, pilgrims, and tourists. I commend the people of Rome for their hospitality and patience, as well as the dedicated efforts of police forces, civil protection, healthcare authorities, and volunteers in ensuring a secure and peaceful Jubilee.
Dear Ambassadors,
In the spirit of the prophet Isaiah and the mission of Jesus, may we embrace the values of Christmas and the present Jubilee – to bring good news, healing, freedom, and favor to all. Despite the conflicts and acts of terror plaguing our world, we must strive for unity in the face of growing tensions, fear, and misinformation. Let us work towards dismantling barriers and borders that divide us, like those in Cyprus and Korea, and instead build bridges of understanding and cooperation.
Welcome to a Diplomacy of Hope
These modern borders that we create often serve as barriers of fear, dividing us from those who are different from us. But in reality, the word “border” means a place of unity, where we can come together, learn from each other, and engage in dialogue.
As we enter this new year, let us use the Jubilee as an opportunity to rethink our relationships with one another, moving away from confrontation and towards encounter. Let us build a future of peace as pilgrims of hope, united in our commitment to a better world.
In the face of the looming threat of war, diplomacy plays a crucial role in fostering dialogue with all parties, even those deemed less convenient or legitimate. By breaking the chains of hatred and vengeance, we can diffuse the explosive power of human selfishness and pride that fuels destructive intentions.
As we navigate these challenging times, let us embrace a diplomacy of hope, where we become heralds of peace, sweeping away the clouds of war with renewed winds of peace. Let us uphold our responsibilities as political leaders, working towards the common good and the integral development of every individual.
Humanity today grapples with progress, wealth, and loneliness. We are in need of hope, of a message that transcends our individual beliefs and speaks to our shared humanity. Let us all become bearers of this message of hope and truth.
In a world where truth is often denied or manipulated, let us hold fast to the pursuit of objective truth and engage in meaningful dialogue with those who think differently. Let us navigate the pitfalls of modern technology and media, using them as tools for connection and education rather than isolation and polarization.
Ultimately, a diplomacy of hope is a diplomacy of truth. By anchoring ourselves in reality and knowledge, we can build a common language that fosters understanding and unity. Let us strive for a future where communication is precise, words are meaningful, and relationships are built on a foundation of truth and respect.
The Importance of Communication and Common Language in Diplomacy
The biblical story of the Tower of Babel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of language barriers. When people speak only in their own language, communication breaks down, leading to chaos and division.
In the diplomatic sphere, effective communication is crucial for dialogue and cooperation towards the common good. Multilateral contexts, in particular, rely on a shared language to ensure the impact and success of statements, resolutions, and negotiated texts. Simple, clear, and agreed-upon language is essential for strong and effective multilateralism.
Unfortunately, there are attempts to manipulate multilateral documents by twisting the meaning of terms or reinterpreting human rights treaties to push divisive ideologies. This ideological colonization undermines the values and beliefs of communities and threatens traditions, history, and religious bonds. Such actions prioritize individual rights over collective duties, especially towards the most vulnerable members of society.
It is crucial to uphold the sanctity of life and protect every individual from conception to natural death. Claims of a “right to abortion” that contradict human rights must be challenged, as every life is precious and deserving of protection.
As we navigate the complexities of multilateralism, it is essential to recall the spirit of cooperation that led to the creation of international bodies like the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. These institutions, established in the aftermath of World War II, must adapt to address contemporary challenges such as environmental issues, public health crises, and technological advancements.
While there are challenges and obstacles to overcome, there are also positive examples of diplomacy succeeding in resolving conflicts. The Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Chile and Argentina, mediated by the Holy See, and the ongoing negotiations regarding the Iran nuclear deal demonstrate the power of dialogue and cooperation in achieving peace and stability.
Looking ahead, let us embrace a diplomacy of hope and forgiveness that seeks to mend broken relationships and heal the wounds of conflict. By working together towards peace and understanding, we can create a better future for all nations and peoples.
Let us strive to build bridges of dialogue and mutual trust, especially in regions plagued by violence and suffering. By fostering a culture of encounter and respect, we can pave the way for a more peaceful and harmonious world for present and future generations.
Let us work together to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation in a world that is in dire need of unity and solidarity.
Creating a Global Fund for Peace and Development
This morning, I reiterate my appeal that with the money spent on weapons and other military expenditures, let us establish a global fund that can finally put an end to hunger and favor development in the most impoverished countries, so that their citizens will not resort to violent or illusory solutions, or have to leave their countries in order to seek a more dignified life. War is always a failure!
The involvement of civilians, especially children, and the destruction of infrastructures is not only a disaster, but essentially means that between the two sides only evil emerges the winner. We cannot in any way accept the bombing of civilians or the attacking of infrastructures necessary for their survival. We cannot accept that children are freezing to death because hospitals have been destroyed or a country’s energy network has been hit.
The entire international community seems to agree on the need to respect international humanitarian law, yet its failure to implement that law fully and concretely raises questions. If we have forgotten what lies at the very foundation of our existence, the sacredness of life, the principles that move the world, how can we think that this right is effectively respected? We need to recover these values and to embody them in precepts of the public conscience, so that the principle of humanity will truly be the basis of our activity. I trust, then, that this Jubilee year will be a favorable moment in which the international community will take active steps to ensure that inviolable human rights are not sacrificed to military needs.
On this basis, I ask that efforts are made to continue to ensure that disregard for international humanitarian law may no longer be an option. Greater efforts are also needed to ensure that the matters discussed at the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent that took place last October in Geneva will be acted upon. The 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions has just been commemorated, and it remains imperative that the norms and principles on which those Conventions are based will be implemented in the all too many open theaters of war.
Among these, I think of the various conflicts that persist on the African continent, particularly in Sudan, the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, Mozambique, where a serious political crisis is underway, and in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the population suffers from serious health and humanitarian need, at times aggravated by the scourge of terrorism, resulting in loss of life and the displacement of millions of people. To this, we can add the devastating effects of floods and drought, which worsen already precarious conditions in various parts of Africa.
The prospect of a diplomacy of forgiveness is not, however, meant to heal international or regional conflicts alone. It makes everyone responsible for becoming an artisan of peace, in order to build truly peaceful societies in which legitimate political, but also social, cultural, ethnic and religious differences constitute an asset and not a source of hatred and division.
I think in a special way of Myanmar, where the population suffers greatly from the constant armed clashes that are forcing people to flee their homes and to live in fear. It is also painful to see that there are still, especially in the Americas, various situations of heated political and social conflict.
In the end, there can be no true peace without the guarantee of religious freedom, which entails respect for the conscience of individuals and the possibility of publicly manifesting one’s faith and membership in a community. In this regard, the growing expressions of anti-Semitism, which I strongly condemn, and which affect an increasing number of Jewish communities around the world, are a source of deep concern.
Nor can I remain silent about the numerous persecutions against various Christian communities, often perpetrated by terrorist groups especially in Africa and Asia. Nor, for that matter, about the more “discreet” forms of restriction on religious freedom that at times are found also in Europe, where legal norms and administrative practices are growing that “limit or in fact annul the rights formally recognized by the Constitution for individual believers and religious groups”.
In this regard, I would reiterate that religious freedom constitutes “an achievement of a sound political and juridical culture”, because when it “is acknowledged, the dignity of the human person is respected at its root, and the ethos and institutions of peoples are strengthened”. Christians are able and desire actively to contribute to the building up of the societies in which they live. Even where they are not a majority in society, they are citizens in their own right, especially in those lands where they have lived from time immemorial. I am speaking especially of Syria, which after years of war and devastation, seems to be pursuing a path of stability.
Building a Future of Peace and Justice
In the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, it is crucial to uphold the values of territorial integrity, unity, and constitutional reforms in Syria. The international community must come together to support Syria in becoming a land of peaceful coexistence, where every citizen, including the Christian community, can thrive and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
Turning to Lebanon, my heart goes out to the country as it navigates economic and social challenges. With the steadfast support of its Christian community, Lebanon can achieve institutional stability, rebuild war-torn regions, and uphold the principles of the Constitution and the Taif Agreement. Let us work towards ensuring that Lebanon remains a beacon of coexistence and peace.
Empowering the Vulnerable
Despite progress over two millennia, various forms of slavery persist in our world today. From labor exploitation to drug addiction and human trafficking, countless individuals are trapped in situations that deny their dignity and freedom. It is imperative to create dignified working conditions, combat drug abuse, and eradicate the inhumane practice of human trafficking.
As we address these challenges, we must remember that migrants and refugees are not mere statistics but individuals with unique experiences and talents. Embracing a perspective of empowerment and cooperation, we can work towards creating safe and regular pathways for those seeking a better life.
Furthermore, it is essential to tackle the root causes of displacement by promoting development and addressing economic disparities. By fostering a sense of justice and compassion, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Promoting Justice and Environmental Stewardship
A diplomacy of hope entails a commitment to justice and peace. As we mark the Jubilee year, let us strive to practice forgiveness, eliminate debts, and advocate for the rights of prisoners. The death penalty has no place in a just society, and we must work towards its abolition worldwide.
Moreover, we are all indebted to God, to each other, and to our planet. Our collective responsibility extends to caring for the Earth and mitigating the impact of climate change. By supporting climate action and debt relief for vulnerable nations, we can safeguard our common home for future generations.
As we move forward, let us remember that our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow. By embracing a spirit of solidarity and cooperation, we can build a future where justice, peace, and environmental stewardship prevail.
Welcome to a Year of Grace and Hope!
As we navigate through the complexities of our world today, it is crucial to acknowledge the concept of “ecological debt” that exists between different regions. This is not just an issue of solidarity or generosity, but a matter of justice that calls for action and awareness. The global North and South are intertwined in this ecological debt, highlighting the need for responsible policies to promote human development.
The Holy See is committed to supporting this process, recognizing that there are no longer any boundaries that can shield us from the shared challenges we face. In a world where interconnectedness is paramount, addressing issues like ecological debt requires a collaborative effort and a shift in perspective.
Before I conclude, I want to take a moment to extend my condolences and prayers to those affected by the recent earthquake in Tibet. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Dear Ambassadors,
From a Christian perspective, the Jubilee represents a season of grace and renewal. In the year 2025, let us strive to embody the values of truth, forgiveness, freedom, justice, and peace. Hope is a powerful force that resides within each of us, driving us to create a better future for all. Let us nurture this hope and spread it to those around us, fostering a sense of optimism and resilience.
As we embark on this journey, may grace and hope guide our path, leading us towards a world where peace and harmony prevail. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to building a better future for all.
[1] Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti (3 October 2020), 27.
[2] Cf. Meeting with Civil Authorities, Representatives of Indigenous Peoples and the Diplomatic Corps, Citadelle de Québec, 27 July 2022.
[3] Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti (3 October 2020), 262; cf. SAINT PAUL VI, Encyclical Letter Populorum Progressio (26 March 1967), 51.
[4] SAINT JOHN PAUL II, Message for the 1988 World Day of Peace, 1 January 1988, 2.
[5] BENEDICT XVI, Message for the 2011 World Day of Peace, 1 January 2011, 5.
[7] Cf. Address to the Participants in the International Forum on “Migration and Peace”, 21 February 2017.
[8] Cf. Message for the 2025 World Day of Peace, 1 January 2025, 11.
[10] Cf. Bull Spes Non Confundit (9 May 2024), 16; Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ (24 May 2015), 51.
[11] Cf. Encyclical Laudato Si’, 52.
[12] Bull Spes Non Confundit, 1.
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