In his annual address to members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis called for a renewed commitment to a "diplomacy of hope" founded on the principles of truth, forgiveness, freedom, and justice. The address, delivered on Thursday, outlined Pope’s vision for fostering peace and solidarity in a world fraught with division and conflict.
Beginning his address, which was read by Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli, Under Secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, Pope Francis highlighted the significance of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025. Pope expressed gratitude to Italian authorities for their preparations to welcome millions of pilgrims to Rome, emphasizing that the Jubilee calls individuals and communities to reflect on “what is truly essential.”
Amid ongoing global challenges, Pope urged the international community to abandon the “logic of confrontation” in favor of a “logic of encounter,” envisioning humanity as “pilgrims of hope” journeying toward a future of peace.
Central to Pope Francis’ message was his appeal for a “diplomacy of truth,” which he described as the foundation for meaningful dialogue and unity. He lamented the erosion of objective truth in modern culture, driven by consumerism and technological advancements aligned with commercial interests.
Pope criticized attempts to manipulate language in diplomatic and legal contexts, warning against ideological agendas that undermine cultural and religious traditions. He specifically denounced efforts to legitimize abortion as a human right, calling such actions a form of “ideological colonization.”
Pope Francis underscored the importance of forgiveness in overcoming hatred and violence. He appealed for an end to conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions, decrying the devastating toll of war on civilians. Reiterating his longstanding belief that “war is always a failure,” Pope condemned the proliferation of increasingly destructive weapons.
He also highlighted ongoing violence in Myanmar, Sudan, the Sahel, and parts of Africa, while addressing the rise of anti-Semitism and persecution of Christians. True peace, he asserted, requires the guarantee of religious freedom, which encompasses respect for individual conscience and the public expression of faith.
### Freedom and Justice as Pillars of Peace
Calling for a “diplomacy of freedom,” Pope Francis urged the international community to combat human trafficking, drug addiction, and modern slavery. He advocated for better care for migrants and the victims of exploitation, while emphasizing the need to address the root causes of displacement.
Justice, he continued, is equally vital to peace. Pope renewed his appeal for the abolition of the death penalty and endorsed the Jubilee’s call for debt forgiveness, whether societal or fiscal, as a step toward greater equity.
Pope Francis emphasized humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment, particularly through financial support to mitigate the effects of climate change. He proposed converting the external debts of poorer nations into initiatives promoting sustainable and integral human development.
Expressing condolences for the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet, Pope concluded with a message of hope: “May hope flourish in the hearts of all people, so that our desires for peace may be realized.”
As the Jubilee Year approaches, Pope Francis’ address stands as a call to action for global leaders to embrace a diplomacy rooted in compassion, solidarity, and a shared commitment to a brighter future.