Vatican City: Pope Francis has shared his prayer intention for December, calling on Christians to pray that, through the upcoming 2025 Jubilee, we may all become pilgrims of hope. “Let us pray that this Jubilee strengthens our faith, helps us recognize the Risen Christ in our lives, and transforms us into bearers of Christian hope,” he said.
In The Pope Video, released on Tuesday, Pope Francis shared his thoughts on the significance of the upcoming Jubilee of Hope, set to begin on Christmas Eve 2025. Reflecting on the suffering in the world, he emphasized humanity’s deep need for hope, describing Christian hope as a divine gift that fills lives with joy and acts as a steadfast anchor.
“We must hold on tightly to the rope of hope,” he urged, encouraging Christians to allow God to fill their hearts with hope, and to share that hope with others. “Let us help one another experience the encounter with Christ, who gives us life, and embark on our journey as pilgrims of hope to celebrate that life,” he said. Entering the Jubilee, he continued, marks the next step in this journey.
As the Church prepares for the Jubilee, Pope Francis emphasized that Catholics are called to become pilgrims of hope, a central theme for the 2025 Holy Year. “Hope never disappoints,” he reminded believers.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, in a press release, explained that The Pope Video for December was produced in collaboration with the Dicastery for Evangelization. It highlighted Pope Francis’ earlier message during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when he walked alone in St. Peter’s Square, reflecting on humanity’s fragility in times of crisis.
Now, as the world faces ongoing conflict and war, the Pope calls on the Church to strengthen its own hope and share it with the world. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, echoed the Pope’s sentiment, praying that through this video—aimed especially at young people—everyone might receive the message of hope, grounded in God’s love, that never fails.