Vatican City: Pope Francis has called on Catholics to embrace the 2025 Jubilee of Hope as a profound opportunity to open their hearts to Christ. Addressing the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth during a special audience on the 150th anniversary of their founding, the Pope highlighted the significance of jubilees as moments for introspection and renewal, both personally and as a community.

Reflecting on the Advent season that coincides with the start of the Sisters' milestone celebrations, Pope Francis described it as a period of “hopeful and patient expectation in the Lord’s promises.” He prayed that the anniversary would inspire the Sisters to deepen their spiritual lives and strengthen their commitment to serving the Lord and His people.

Founded in 1875, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth now serve in 140 communities across 14 countries. Pope Francis urged the Congregation to allow their jubilee to be a time of listening to the Holy Spirit and fostering a personal encounter with Christ, particularly in the Eucharist and the lives of those they serve.

He encouraged the Sisters to ensure their communities remain places of refuge, hope, and peace, especially for families affected by war, displacement, and hardship. "Through hearts open to the Lord," he prayed, "may your mission be a threshold for others to find solace in Christ, our Savior."

Finally, the Pope called on the Sisters to continue embodying Christ’s love through acts of spiritual and physical mercy. “Let your prayers and works of charity radiate Jesus’ love,” he concluded, “so that you may bring hope to those enduring life’s challenges.”