Pope Francis shared a heartfelt message for "Thought for the Day" on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, urging for a spirit of "hope and kindness."

Speaking with a focus on humility, the pontiff remarked: "A world brimming with hope and kindness is inherently more beautiful. A society that anticipates the future with confidence and treats individuals with respect and empathy fosters true humanity."

Pope Francis also referenced British author GK Chesterton, highlighting his encouragement to "embrace the elements of life with gratitude rather than taking them for granted."

The message, originally delivered in Italian and translated into English, aligns with the Catholic Church's Jubilee year, which commenced on December 24. A Jubilee, a tradition celebrated every 25 years, provides Catholics an opportunity to renew their relationship with God. This year's Jubilee centers on the theme of hope and features a range of special events, including the arrival of tens of millions of pilgrims in Rome.

As part of these celebrations, Pope Francis visited a prison in Rome on Thursday, where he ceremonially opened a "Holy Door" within the prison chapel—one of several such doors exclusively opened during Jubilee years.

In his address, the Pope urged listeners to face the future with optimism despite uncertainties: "Even if we are unsure of what tomorrow holds, we must resist the temptation of pessimism and resignation. War, social injustices, and the myriad forms of violence we witness daily should not lead us to despair or cynicism."

He underscored that kindness is neither a "diplomatic strategy" nor a "set of rules to achieve social harmony or gain personal advantages." Instead, he framed kindness as an expression of love that connects people.

Concluding his message, the Pope extended his hope-filled wishes: "I hope that during this Jubilee, we can embody kindness as an act of love, fostering deeper connections with one another. May the new year usher in peace, fellowship, and gratitude."

Pope Francis previously appeared on "Thought for the Day" in 2021, using the platform to advocate for urgent global action to safeguard the planet ahead of the COP26 climate summit. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was the first pontiff to feature on the programme, sharing a pre-recorded message on Christmas Eve in 2010.