In his address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis I, made a heartfelt plea to the world’s wealthiest nations, urging them to cancel or reduce the debts of the world’s poorest countries. His remarks, delivered on the occasion of the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee Year, stressed the importance of economic justice and solidarity with those struggling under the weight of national debt.
“The Jubilee asks to translate this remission of debts on a social level so that no person, no family, no people is crushed by debts,” the Pope said. “I, therefore, encourage the rulers of countries with a Christian tradition to set a good example by cancelling or reducing as much as possible the debts of the poorest countries.”
His call for debt relief came amid a backdrop of growing concerns about inequality and the financial burden faced by developing nations, many of which are struggling to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic and climate-related disasters.
A Call for Peace in War-Torn Regions
In addition to his appeal for financial justice, Pope Francis also took the opportunity to address global conflicts, which have continued to ravage several regions. With the year 2025 approaching, the Pope expressed his hope for a future free from violence and war.
“Let us pray for an end to the fighting on all fronts and a decisive move towards peace and reconciliation,” he said. “I am thinking of the tormented in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, Kivu and so many warring peoples.”
The Pope’s remarks on peace were a call to the global community to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy over conflict, echoing his long-standing advocacy for peacemaking and humanitarian efforts in regions affected by war and instability.
Pope’s Controversial Stance on Abortion
However, it was not just global financial issues and peace that Pope Francis addressed. During the New Year’s Day Mass, the Pontiff also took a firm stance on the issue of abortion, urging Catholics to reject the practice. His comments came as he continued to navigate the controversial topic, particularly in light of recent criticisms.
In September, while on a trip to Belgium, Pope Francis referred to the country’s abortion laws as “homicidal,” a remark that sparked backlash from Belgian officials. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo condemned the Pope’s comments as “totally unacceptable” and summoned the Vatican’s ambassador to Belgium for clarification.
