Pope: Jesus’ words ‘free us from the prison of despair’

Vatican City, December 14, 2025: After celebrating Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners, Pope Leo XIV delivered his Angelus address for the Third Sunday of Advent, affirming that Christian joy endures “when life seems to lose its meaning and everything appears darker.”

After presiding over Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners, Pope Leo XIV reflected on hope, freedom and joy during his Angelus address on the Third Sunday of Advent. Drawing on the witness of John the Baptist, the Pope said that even those in chains can speak truth and keep hope alive.

“A prophet, even in chains, retains the ability to use his voice in the pursuit of truth and justice,” the Pope said, evoking John the Baptist’s imprisonment. Though deprived of freedom, John continued to hope and to question, becoming a sign that the Word of God cannot be silenced.

From prison, John hears of the works performed by Jesus. Yet these deeds do not fully match his expectations, prompting his question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we wait for another?” Pope Leo said this question continues to resonate with all who seek truth and justice, long for freedom and peace, and continue to question Christ.

Responding to John’s doubt, Jesus does not explain himself in theory. Instead, he points to his actions. Pope Leo underlined that Christ reveals himself through what he does: it is the poor, the sick and the marginalised who testify to him. The signs of the Messiah are clear and visible—“the blind see, the mute speak, the deaf hear”.

The Pope stressed that even God’s image, disfigured by illness and exclusion, is restored to wholeness. The dead themselves, “completely unresponsive”, are raised to life. This, he said, lies at the heart of the Gospel: “When God comes into the world, you can see it!”

Quoting Jesus’ words, Pope Leo said they “free us from the prison of despair and suffering”, adding that every prophecy finds its fulfilment in Christ. Jesus opens humanity’s eyes to the glory of God—who gives a voice to the oppressed, overcomes ideologies that close people to truth, and heals illusions that distort the human person.

Turning to Advent, the Pope invited the faithful to cultivate two attitudes: waiting for the Saviour and remaining attentive to what God is doing in the world. Recalling the words Gaudete in Domino semper, he explained that Gaudete Sunday celebrates a joy that does not deny trials, but endures even “when life seems to lose its meaning and everything appears darker”.

Pope: Jesus’ words ‘free us from the prison of despair’

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