Pope Francis will preside over a special Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on January 26, 2025, marking the celebration of the 6th Sunday of the Word of God. Instituted by Pope on September 30, 2019, the occasion emphasizes the importance of Sacred Scripture in the life of the Church and the spiritual growth of the faithful.

This year’s theme for the Sunday of the Word of God is taken from the Psalms: “I hope in Your Word.” Following the liturgy, Pope Francis will continue the tradition of distributing copies of the Gospel of Luke to attendees, underscoring the mission of spreading God’s Word globally.

As part of the celebration, Pope Francis will confer the ministry of Lector upon 40 lay faithful from various nations. The recipients of the ministry, which include men and women from Albania, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, the Philippines, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Poland, and Slovenia, will each receive a copy of the Nova Vulgata Bible, in accordance with the liturgical rite.

In a bid to further assist the faithful in their spiritual journey, the Dicastery for Evangelization has made available a free liturgical-pastoral guide online. This guide, accessible in six languages, offers suggestions for deepening one’s encounter with Scripture through community, family life, and personal reflection. It includes articles, meditations, and pastoral recommendations.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, shared a message emphasizing the significance of this day. He expressed that Scripture is a source of love for God and a tool to strengthen the faith of believers worldwide.

The Mass on January 26 will offer Christians an opportunity to recommit to reading and reflecting on the Bible, a vital source of hope and spiritual growth. Tickets to attend the Mass will be available starting January 23 at the Jubilee 2025 Infopoint, located at Via della Conciliazione No. 7. However, ticket distribution is limited and will continue until all tickets are distributed.