Pope Calls for Disarmament and Debt Relief in Angelus Address

Vatican City, December 26, 2024 – Pope Francis renewed his call for global peace, debt relief, and disarmament during his Angelus address on the Feast Day of St. Stephen. Speaking to the faithful gathered at St. Peter's Square and online, the Pontiff urged an end to violence, the elimination of arms sales, and meaningful action against global challenges like hunger, child labor, and disease.

The Pope began his address by extending warm Christmas greetings to the faithful and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the messages of closeness he received from individuals, families, parishes, and associations during the festive season. He then reflected on the significance of the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr and called for renewed global efforts to foster peace and fraternity. He also noted the beginning of Hanukkah the previous evening, and offered his sincere wishes for peace and unity to Jewish communities celebrating the eight-day Festival of Lights.

Addressing people from Rome and pilgrims from Italy and other countries, the Pope remarked, "I imagine that many of you have undertaken a Jubilee journey to pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica." He described this as a "beautiful sign" and explained that it symbolizes the essence of our lives: to journey towards Jesus, who loves us and welcomes us into His Kingdom of love, joy, and peace.

During his address, Pope Francis highlighted his visit to the Roman Prison of Rebbibia earlier in the day, where he opened a Holy Door as part of the Jubilee Year celebrations. Describing the prison as a “cathedral of pain and hope,” he underscored the Jubilee Year's focus on meeting Jesus through acts of mercy and love.

Appeals for Global Action

The Pontiff encouraged support for Caritas Internationalis' campaign "Transform Debt into Hope," advocating for the relief of unsustainable national debts to foster development in struggling nations. Stressing the interconnectedness of peace, debt, and arms trade, he issued a powerful appeal: "Stop colonizing people with weapons!"

Pope Francis also called for action against global issues, including hunger, disease, and child labor, while specifically urging peace in war-torn areas such as Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, and North Kivu. He lamented the suffering caused by conflicts and urged disarmament as a pathway to global harmony.

Closing Message

The Pope concluded his address by wishing all a joyful continuation of the Christmas season and encouraging the faithful to pray for him. His words resonated as a call to unite in the spirit of compassion and humanity during this sacred period.

Courtesy: Vatican News