In a heartfelt message delivered during the Slovak national jubilee pilgrimage to Rome, Pope Francis emphasized the profound value of faith, describing it as "a treasure to be shared with joy." The Pope's words resonated with the 4,300 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica, including Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, government ministers, and Archbishop Bernard Bober of Košice, President of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference.

Although unable to attend in person, Pope Francis expressed his deep desire to join the faithful, stating, "I would have greatly wished to be present among you to share this moment of faith and communion." He underscored the transformative power of saying 'yes' to God, noting that such affirmation "opens horizons of peace." The Pope encouraged the Slovak community to embody their faith actively, allowing it to illuminate their lives and the lives of those around them.

This message aligns with Pope Francis's consistent call for believers to become "missionaries of hope," a theme he has emphasized in various contexts, including his address to young people at the Taizé Community's annual meeting in Tallinn, Estonia. There, he reminded attendees that "hope overcomes every fatigue, every crisis, and every anxiety, giving us a strong motivation to move forward."

The Pope's message to the Slovak pilgrims serves as a poignant reminder of the universal call to share the joy of faith, fostering communities rooted in hope and compassion.