Pope Francis: "God Always Forgives and Forgives Everything"

Vatican City, 26 December 2024 – During his Angelus address on the Feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis emphasized God's infinite mercy, urging the faithful to reflect on their compassion for those persecuted for their faith.

Speaking at noon in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father reminded Christians that "God always forgives, and God forgives everything," drawing parallels between the forgiveness shown by St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and the mercy of God.

Earlier in the day, the Pope opened a Holy Door and celebrated Mass at a Roman prison, continuing the Jubilee of Hope inaugurated at St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve.

St. Stephen's Example of Mercy

In his address, Pope Francis highlighted the significance of St. Stephen's martyrdom, as described in the Acts of the Apostles.

Despite being stoned to death, Stephen prayed for his killers, exemplifying ultimate mercy. "St. Stephen appears to us as a witness of that God who has one great desire: 'that all men be saved' and that none be lost," the Pope said, commending Stephen’s imitation of Christ’s love and forgiveness.

The Holy Father reflected on the day’s liturgical celebration, reminding the faithful that God desires good for all His children and tirelessly forgives those who repent.

Contemporary Martyrs

Pope Francis drew attention to the ongoing persecution of Christians worldwide, lamenting the violence endured by those who uphold the Gospel. "Unfortunately, even today, there are many men and women who are persecuted, at times, even to death, because of the Gospel," he stated.

"What we have said about Stephen," he stressed, "applies to them too. " "They do not allow themselves to be killed out of weakness, nor to defend an ideology, but to make everyone participants in the gift of salvation."

The Pope cited the example of Blessed Christian de Chergé, one of seven Trappist monks martyred in Algeria in 1996. In his spiritual testament, de Chergé called his future murderer a "last-minute friend," embodying forgiveness even in the face of imminent death.

Questions for Reflection

With all this in mind, the Pope invited the faithful to reflect on some questions: “Do I feel the desire for all to know God and for all to be saved? Do I also want the good of those who make me suffer? Do I take an interest in and pray for the many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith?”

He concluded his address by praying to Mary, Queen of Martyrs, asking her to fill the faithful with courage to be witnesses of the Gospel in today’s world.

Courtesy: Vatican News