During his Angelus address on the Feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis extended his Christmas greetings to the faithful and, at the outset of the Jubilee, made heartfelt calls for the cancellation of debt, disarmament, and an end to the use of weapons that continue to fuel global conflicts.

"I renew my Christmas wishes to all of you," the Pope began, expressing gratitude for the many messages and signs of affection he had received during the festive season. "Thank you to each person, each family, to the parishes and associations—thank you all sincerely!"

Pope Francis spoke these words to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square, as well as those joining virtually, on December 26th, the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Reflecting on the significance of the day and the ongoing holiday season, he offered warm blessings and made several important appeals.

The Pope also noted that the previous evening marked the beginning of Hanukkah, and he sent his heartfelt wishes for peace and fraternity to all Jewish brothers and sisters celebrating the Festival of Lights, which lasts eight days.

Greeting the Romans and pilgrims from Italy and beyond, Pope Francis acknowledged the spiritual journey many had undertaken to visit the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, noting that this act symbolized a deeper journey in life: "to go to meet Jesus, Who loves us and allows us to enter His Kingdom of love, joy, and peace."

Earlier in the day, the Pope had opened a Holy Door at the Roman Prison of Rebibbia, an act that followed the opening at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24th, marking the official start of the Jubilee. He described the prison visit as being within a "cathedral of pain and hope," a poignant reminder of the transformative power of mercy.

A key theme of Jubilees is the remission of debts, and the Pope called for the faithful to support Caritas Internationalis' campaign titled "Transform Debt into Hope." He emphasized the need to help countries burdened by unsustainable debt and foster their development.

Pope Francis highlighted the connection between debt, peace, and the "black market" of arms, urging an end to the cycle of violence. "Stop colonizing people with weapons!" he appealed, calling for an end to the arms trade that perpetuates suffering across the globe.

The Pope urged everyone to work for disarmament, to combat hunger and disease, and to end child labor. His thoughts turned to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, North Kivu, and many other war-torn regions. "Let us work for peace in the whole world," he said, emphasizing the urgency of global solidarity in the pursuit of peace.

Concluding his address, Pope Francis wished all the faithful a joyful Feast of St. Stephen and a wonderful meal, while reminding them to keep him in their prayers.