The event will bring together experts and leaders from various nations to explore innovative strategies for safeguarding children who face exploitation, abuse, war, and extreme poverty. In a heartfelt gesture, Pope Francis highlighted the role children themselves will play in preparing for this historic day, symbolizing the essence of empowerment and inclusion.

A Global Appeal for the Vulnerable

“Millions of children live in precarious conditions, are exploited and mistreated, and suffer the devastating consequences of conflict,” Pope Francis stated, marking the occasion of the International Day of the Rights of the Child. “This meeting is an opportunity to identify new ways to help and protect them.”

The announcement resonated deeply with those gathered, particularly the children present, who rushed to embrace the Holy Father. This visible connection underscored the Pope’s profound commitment to fostering a world where the youngest and most vulnerable are seen and valued.

Establishment of the Pontifical Committee for Children’s Rights

Coinciding with the announcement of the February summit, Pope Francis introduced the formation of the “Pontifical Committee for the World Day of Childhood”, tasked with organizing initiatives that promote children’s welfare globally. Father Enzo Fortunato, named president of the committee, praised the Pope’s unwavering focus on the future of the world’s youth.

“This is a testament to the Church’s dedication to protecting the smallest among us,” Father Fortunato remarked. “It is a call to action, not just for Catholics, but for humanity as a whole.”

The committee will work closely with the Community of Sant’Egidio, Auxilium, and other organizations to ensure the success of this event and future initiatives, including the “World Day of Childhood” slated for September 2026.

A Historical Perspective on Children’s Rights

The February summit aligns with a long history of advocacy for children. The International Day of the Rights of the Child commemorates the adoption of the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a landmark document rooted in principles first articulated in the 1924 Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child.

For over three decades, these frameworks have underscored the global responsibility to ensure children’s access to safety, education, and dignity. The Vatican’s upcoming meeting reaffirms this commitment while seeking fresh solutions to contemporary challenges.

Children at the Heart of Change

The Pope’s focus on involving children in the preparation of the summit is emblematic of his belief in their agency. The young participants at the announcement represented diverse backgrounds, including Catholic schools in Rome, Indonesia’s community, and peace schools run by Sant’Egidio. Their enthusiastic response reflected the universal relevance of this mission.

In the words of Father Fortunato: “The world’s smallest voices often carry the greatest truths. Through this initiative, Pope Francis reminds us to listen and act.”

A Message of Hope and Urgency

As wars rage and inequalities deepen, the Vatican’s call for global collaboration on children’s rights serves as a clarion reminder of shared human responsibility. February’s summit will not only spotlight the challenges but inspire concrete actions, urging leaders to prioritize the well-being of the youngest members of society.

By placing children at the heart of its mission, the Church is extending an invitation to the world: to protect, to empower, and to love without bounds. As the Pope concluded his announcement, the children in attendance offered the simplest yet most profound response: “Thank you.”

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The Pope expressed deep compassion for the victims and reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to advocating for the release of those still held captive in Gaza. According to reports, 63 individuals remain detained by Hamas.

A Gesture of Global Solidarity

The hour-long meeting underscored the Vatican’s role as a voice for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. Participants described the encounter as both heartfelt and impactful. “We didn’t come in vain,” one attendee remarked, highlighting their hope that Pope Francis’s moral authority might influence efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Gaya Kalderon, a 22-year-old who attended the meeting, voiced her anguish over her father’s continued captivity. “Our life is a living hell; we have no life anymore,” she said, capturing the collective despair of families torn apart by violence.

Condemning Crimes Against Humanity

In a press conference following the audience, the Israeli delegation condemned the kidnappings as “an absolute crime against humanity.” They called for international intervention and swift action to bring the remaining hostages home, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

This meeting follows Pope Francis’s ongoing engagement with both Israeli and Palestinian families affected by the conflict. Earlier this year, on April 8, he met with five Israeli families whose relatives had been abducted, signaling his unwavering dedication to dialogue and justice.

A Pontiff’s Call for Ceasefire and Compassion

Pope Francis has consistently called for peace in the region. In a message earlier this month, he urged an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon, and reiterated the need for the swift release of all hostages held in Gaza.

During his general audience in St. Peter’s Square last Wednesday, the Pope extended his prayers to the 150 Palestinian civilians who had recently lost their lives, highlighting the devastating toll of the conflict on all sides.

Building Bridges Amid Crisis

This meeting reflects the Vatican’s enduring role as a bridge-builder in some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts. By offering a platform for those affected by violence, Pope Francis amplifies calls for justice and peace, transcending political divides.

As families await news of their loved ones, the hope remains that global leaders and humanitarian advocates will heed the Pope’s call: to prioritize the sanctity of human life, to end cycles of violence, and to restore dignity to those who continue to suffer in silence.

This moment in the Apostolic Palace, marked by shared grief and quiet determination, serves as a reminder that even amid profound despair, the pursuit of peace is not just a dream but a moral imperative.

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Celebration of Youthful Holiness

The canonizations will spotlight the vitality of youth within the Church. Carlo Acutis, often called the «influencer of holiness,» will be canonized during the “Teenagers’ Jubilee” from April 25 to 27. Known for his deep love of the Eucharist and expertise in computer science, the young Italian left a legacy of faith expressed in modern ways.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, a Turin-born student, alpinist, and advocate for the poor, will follow during the “Youth Jubilee” from July 28 to August 3. Often referred to as the «man of the Beatitudes,» Frassati lived a life rooted in prayer, service, and joy—a testament to faith as an adventure. His canonization comes a century after his death, continuing to inspire generations to live with courage and compassion.

A Day for the Children of the World

The announcement coincided with the International Day for the Rights of the Child, where Pope Francis also introduced a major upcoming event: the “World Meeting on Children’s Rights”. Scheduled for February 3 in Vatican City, the gathering will bring together experts, activists, and global leaders to address the plight of children suffering from war, exploitation, and neglect.

In a touching moment during the audience, children in yellow caps, representing various Catholic schools and peace organizations, rushed to greet the Pope on the basilica’s steps. Their joyful interaction underscored the urgency of protecting young lives. «The future of the world lies with the smallest among us,» the Pope remarked, highlighting the Church’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the dignity of every child.

Holiness in Action: The Lives of Acutis and Frassati

Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at just 15, gained widespread recognition for creating an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles. His bishop in Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, called him “a ray of light for young people” and noted the providential timing of his canonization during the Jubilee, which celebrates renewal and hope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died at 24 in 1925, left a legacy of service that resonated deeply even in his short life. A member of Catholic Action and other faith-based groups, he balanced rigorous spiritual devotion with an adventurous spirit. Saint John Paul II, who beatified him in 1990, described him as a model for those striving to integrate faith and action.

Resonating with the Modern World

The Church views these two saints as bridges to contemporary youth. Acutis and Frassati exemplify a faith that is not confined to the past but thrives in digital innovation and social responsibility. Their canonizations aim to inspire young Catholics to see holiness as accessible and relevant.

In a statement, Catholic Action Italy celebrated Frassati’s legacy, emphasizing his ability to counter apathy with a life of dynamic engagement. “His rule of life, ‘to get involved,’ is a call against indifference—a way to connect with the world through faith and action,” the group wrote.

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***

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Brothers and Sisters, good morning!

I am pleased to meet you during this, your twelfth Colloquium. As we all know, this long-standing form of cooperation has been most gratifying for all of us, since it fosters a culture of dialogue, something that I consider of critical importance and which I follow closely.

As you know, I plan to elevate the Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan – a great friar – to the College of Cardinals. This decision expresses my closeness and concern for the Church in Iran, and in turn honours the entire country.

The life of the Catholic Church in Iran, a “little flock”, is very close to my heart. The Church is not against the government; to say otherwise is a lie. I am aware of its situation and the challenges it faces as it perseveres in bearing witness to Christ and contributing, quietly but significantly, to the good of society as a whole, while rejecting all religious, ethnic or political discrimination.

I am particularly appreciative of the theme you have chosen for this Colloquium: “The Education of Young People, particularly in the Family: A Challenge for Christians and Muslims”. What a beautiful topic! The family, the cradle of life, is the primordial place of education. It is in the family that we take our first steps and learn to listen to others, to acknowledge and respect them, to help them and to live with one another in harmony. A common element of our different religious traditions is the contribution made by the elderly to the education of the young. This is something I hold very close to my heart; grandparents, by their wisdom, are a crucial aid in the religious education of their grandchildren, and serve as a vital link in family relationships over the generations (cf. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit, 262). Honouring our grandparents is so important. Their religiosity, communicated informally by the witness of their lives, is invaluable for the growth of young people. I will never forget that my own grandmother was the one who taught me to pray.

One educational challenge common to both Christians and Muslims is posed by the growing, complex reality of marriages involving disparity of cult. It is easy to see that such family settings represent a privileged place for interreligious dialogue (cf. Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, 248). And that is what we must pursue.

The weakening of faith and religious practice in some societies has a direct impact on the family. We know what great challenges the family faces in a world that is changing rapidly and not always in the right direction. Consequently, in order to fulfil better its educational mission, the family needs the full support of everyone, including the state, the school, its own religious community and other institutions.

Some of the many tasks of the family are those of educating and “being at home” beyond the walls of its own house. Dialogue between believers of different religions does just that; it enables us to step out of our own familiar patterns of thinking and acting, and to be open to encounter within the greater human family. But for dialogue to be fruitful, it must meet several conditions: it must be open, it must be sincere, it must be respectful, it must be friendly and it must be concrete. This is what makes dialogue successful. This approach will make us credible in the eyes of our own community and before our interlocutors and their communities, while constantly reminding us that we are accountable to God for all that we think, for all that we say and for all that we do.

Finally, the education of the younger generation takes place through fraternal cooperation in the search for God. In this quest, we must never tire of speaking and working for the dignity and rights of every person, every community and every people. We must always defend their rights. Indeed, freedom of conscience and religion is the cornerstone of the entire edifice of human rights. Nor is freedom of religion limited to the expression of worship; it also entails complete freedom in the matter of one’s own beliefs and religious practice (cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Declaration Dignitatis Humanae, 3-4).

Brothers and sisters, our world is divided and rent by hatred, hostility, wars and the threat of a nuclear conflict. We can read the latest threat in today’s newspapers. This situation prompts us, as believers in the God of Peace, to pray and work for dialogue, reconciliation, peace, security and the integral development of all humanity. We profess our faith in the all-powerful God of love. The commitment to peace that we can demonstrate together will make us credible in the eyes of the world and above all to future generations.

Dear brothers and sisters, thank you for coming! May the Most High keep and bless us, our communities and the whole world, and accompany you at every step of your journey of dialogue.

Let us now take a brief moment in silence as we pray asking God to bless us all. Let us be silent.

May God bless us all. Amen.

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***

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

In the last three catecheses, we talked about the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit which is implemented in the sacraments, in prayer and by following the example of the Mother of God. But let us listen to what a famous text from Vatican II says: “It is not only through the sacraments and the ministries of the Church that the Holy Spirit sanctifies and leads the people of God and enriches it with virtues, but, ‘allotting his gifts to everyone according as He wills’” (cf. 1 Cor 12:11) (Lumen gentium, 12). We too have personal gifts that the Spirit gives to each one of us.

Therefore, the moment has arrived to talk also about this second way the Holy Spirit works, which is charismatic action. Two elements contribute to defining what charism is. A somewhat difficult word, I will explain it. First, the charism is the gift given “for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7), to be useful to everyone. It is not, in other words, destined principally and ordinarily for the sanctification of the person, but for the “service” of the community (cf. 1 Pt 4:10). This is the first aspect. Secondly, the charism is the gift given “to one”, or “to some” in particular, not to everyone in the same way, and this is what distinguishes it from sanctifying grace, from the theological virtues and from the sacraments, which instead are the same and common to all. The charism is given to a specific person or community. It is a gift that God gives you.

The Council explains this too. The Holy Spirit, it says, “distributes special graces among the faithful of every rank. By these gifts He makes them fit and ready to undertake the various tasks and offices which contribute toward the renewal and building up of the Church, according to the words of the Apostle: ‘The manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for profit’” (1 Cor 12:7).

The charisms are the “jewels” or the ornaments that the Holy Spirit distributes to make the Bride of Christ more beautiful. One can thus understand why the Conciliar text ends with the following exhortation: “These charisms, whether they be the more outstanding or the more simple and widely diffused, are to be received with thanksgiving and consolation for they are perfectly suited to and useful for the needs of the Church” (LG 12).

Pope Benedict XVI affirmed: “Anyone who considers the history of the post-conciliar era can recognize the process of true renewal, which often took unexpected forms in living movements and made almost tangible the inexhaustible vitality of the holy Church”. And this is the charism given to a group, through a person.

We must rediscover the charisms, because this ensures that the promotion of the laity, and of women in particular, is understood not only as an institutional and sociological fact, but also in its biblical and spiritual dimension. Indeed, the laity are not the least, no, they laity are not a form of external collaborator or auxiliary troops of the clergy, no! They have their own charisms and gifts with which to contribute to the mission of the Church.

Let us add another thing: when we talk about the charisms, we must immediately dispel a misunderstanding: that of identifying them with spectacular or extraordinary gifts and capabilities; instead, they are ordinary gifts – each one of us has his or her own charism – that assume extraordinary value if inspired by the Holy Spirit and embodied with love in situations of life. Such an interpretation of the charism is important, because many Christians, when they hear talk of charisms, experience sadness or disappointment, as they are convinced that they do not possess any, and feel they are excluded or second-class Christians. No, they are not second-class Christians, no, each person has his or her own personal, and also community charism. Saint Augustine responded to these in his time with a very eloquent comparison: ‘If you love,’ he told his people, “If you love, it is not nothing that you have: if you love unity, whoever has anything in that unity has it also for you. In the body, the eye alone sees; but is it for itself alone that the eye sees? It sees both for the hand and the foot, and for all the other members” [St. Augustine,  Tractates on the Gospel of John, 32,8.]

This reveals the secret of why charity is defined by the Apostle as “a still more excellent way” (1 Cor 12, 31): it makes me love the Church, or the community in which I live and, in unity, all charisms, not just some, are “mine”, just as “my” charisms, little though they may seem, belong to all and are for the good of all. Charity multiplies charisms; it makes the charism of one, of one individual person, the charism of all. Thank you!

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During the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis blessed the 30 cm-long bronze keys, sculpted by renowned Catholic artist Timothy Schmalz, as a symbolic gesture of the Church’s commitment to combating homelessness worldwide.

The motto —“Journeying Together to End Homelessness” 

The FHA’s 13 Houses Jubilee Project is a powerful response to homelessness as a humanitarian crisis, and also a participation in the call made by Pope Francis in the Bull of Indiction of the Holy Year to “be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.”

It will promote housing solutions in 13 countries around the world. This effort will extend through November 2025, impacting families in Syria, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Italy, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, United Kingdom, and Ukraine.

Pope Francis reminds of the scriptures, “The prayer of the poor rises up to God” (cf. Sir 21:5), in his message for the 2024 World Day of the Poor and explains that this day is “a pastoral opportunity not to be underestimated, for it challenges every believer to listen to the prayer of the poor, becoming aware of their presence and needs.”

Since 2018 the 13 Houses Campaign has housed and helped over 10,000 people in 70 countries across the world. The objective of the project during the Jubilee Year is to encourage even more countries and communities around the world to become involved.

The FHA has been actively campaigning for this initiative over the past years, having first been endorsed by Pope Francis in 2022 with the blessing of the “Sheltering” sculpture, also a work by Timothy Schmalz.

The 13 Houses Jubilee Project will now launch with a dedicated focus on Syria, a country deeply affected by ongoing conflict. Adopted by the Holy See as a concrete gesture of charity wanted by Pope Francis for the Jubilee, the initiative addresses the needs of homeless Syrian families, drawing global attention to the enduring crisis impacting countless lives. This remarkable act of solidarity has been made possible through a generous contribution from UnipolSai, whose support in the lead-up to the Holy Year brings a vital sign of hope to a region still scarred by war.

On the World Day of the Poor in 2025, FHA plans to bring families representing each of the thirteen countries to St. Peter’s Basilica, where they will receive a special blessing from Pope Francis. One family from each country will participate in a pilgrimage to Rome, underscoring the global scope of the Vincentian Family’s mission to support the most vulnerable.

Walking together, United in Mission 

The 13 Houses Jubilee Project represents the collaborative spirit of the Vincentian Family, a network with over 160 branches worldwide, united in the mission and spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.

Fr. Tomaž Mavrič, C.M., Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission and President of the Vincentian Family Executive Board, described the initiative as: “a journey of hope that reaffirms our commitment to fighting homelessness worldwide.” Before launching the campaign, the Vincentian Family gathered in Rome from November 14-17 to reinforce the spirit of synodality. This meeting focused on strengthening collaboration and fraternal bonds among Vincentian groups. “As we walk side by side with those in need, we bear witness to a future rooted in hope and shared commitment. For this Jubilee, we are called to be ‘pilgrims of hope,’ showing the world that by journeying together, we can transform lives and build a legacy of compassion and service for generations to come,» added Fr. Tomaž.

FHA coordinator and President of Depaul International Mark McGreevy said, “Pope Francis’s blessing of the keys is a milestone in our mission to reach the most vulnerable and to spread the message of hope and charity that the Church champions. By focusing on housing, we respond to a fundamental need, embodying the Jubilee’s call.”

Joining Hands for a Jubilee of Hope 

Reflecting on this year’s World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis highlighted the enduring spiritual and social importance of recognizing the poor in our midst: “The truly poor person is the humble one […] The poor, having nothing to rely on, receive strength from God and place all their trust in him.” His message reminds us that the Church is called to be a place of refuge and hope, where prayer translates into real-world action and care. “We are called in every circumstance to be friends of the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who always began by showing solidarity when dealing with the least among us,” he concludes.

The 13 Houses Jubilee Project exemplifies this spirit of prayer in action, creating opportunities for the Church and communities worldwide to come together and uplift those experiencing homelessness. The Jubilee Year invites each Christian to become a “Pilgrim of hope,” as Pope Francis calls for the Church to become an “instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor.” With initiatives like this one, the Church continues its long-standing tradition of providing shelter, dignity, and compassion for the least among us.

In the coming year, the Famvin Homeless Alliance invites communities worldwide to join this journey, creating lasting change for those in need of shelter and solidarity.

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A Controversial Passage

In the book, Francis reflects on contemporary global conflicts, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While addressing broader themes of displacement and solidarity, he states:

“According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza bears the characteristics of a genocide. This must be examined closely to determine if it aligns with the technical definition established by international law.”

This statement, now making headlines worldwide, has prompted polarized reactions. It follows his acknowledgment of dire conditions in Gaza, where 2.3 million Palestinians face limited access to essential resources such as food, water, and medical care.

Criticism and Defense

The remarks were swiftly condemned by Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See and the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), who accused the Pope of inflammatory rhetoric. Critics argue that his words could exacerbate tensions in an already volatile situation.

However, proponents of the Pope’s position highlight a recent United Nations committee report that alleged Israel’s policies in Gaza may align with the characteristics of genocide. The report accuses Israel of using hunger as a weapon of war and enacting discriminatory practices in violation of international law.  

The Role of the Vatican

The Vatican has yet to officially comment on the inclusion of the controversial passage in the book. Published under the supervision of journalist Hernán Reyes Alcaide, the volume spans topics such as migration, climate change, technology, and peace. The process by which the Gaza-related remarks were included remains unclear, raising questions about whether they reflect official Vatican policy.

A Larger Context of Justice and Peace

This is not the first time Pope Francis has addressed Middle Eastern conflicts with a call for justice and humanitarian concern. In the book, he praises nations like Jordan and Lebanon for their openness to refugees and highlights the moral imperative of solidarity in the face of suffering.

The Pope’s emphasis on the need for investigation rather than outright condemnation aligns with his broader vision of reconciliation and accountability. Still, the diplomatic fallout underscores the complexities of addressing contentious geopolitical issues from a spiritual and moral platform.

Looking Ahead

The Pope’s remarks coincide with ongoing international scrutiny of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and a broader reckoning over the interpretation of genocide under international law. Whether his words will galvanize action or deepen divides remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, the Vatican’s silence on the matter leaves space for interpretation, fueling both hope and controversy as global leaders grapple with the implications of Francis’s provocative statement.

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***

The words we have just heard could evoke feelings of anguish, whereas they are in fact a great proclamation of hope.  While Jesus seems to be describing the state of mind of those who have witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and think that the end has come, he announces something extraordinary: in the very hour of darkness and desolation, just when everything seems to collapse, God comes, God draws near, God gathers us together to save us.

Jesus invites us to take a deeper look, to have eyes capable of “reading within” the events of history.  In this way, we discover that even in the anguish of our hearts and of our times, an unshakable hope shines forth.  On this World Day of the Poor, let us pause to consider two realities always at war upon the battlefield of our hearts: anguish and hope.

First of all, anguish. 

Feelings of anguish are widespread in our age, given that social media amplifies problems and wounds, making the world more insecure and the future more uncertain.  Even today’s Gospel opens with an image that seems to project the tribulation of the people upon the cosmos through the use of apocalyptic language: “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken…” and so on (Mk 13:24-25).

If we limit our gaze to the narrative of events, we allow anguish to gain the upper hand.  Indeed, even today we see the “sun darken” and the “moon fade” when we contemplate the famine that afflicts so many of our brothers and sisters who have no food to eat, and when we see the horrors of war or see the death of the innocent.  Faced with this scenario, we run the risk of falling into despondency and failing to recognise the presence of God within the drama of history.  In so doing, we condemn ourselves to powerlessness.  We witness the growing anguish around us brought about by the suffering of the poor, but we slip into the resigned way of thinking of those who, moved by convenience or laziness, think “that’s life” and “there is nothing I can do about it”.  Thus, Christian faith itself is reduced to a harmless devotion that does not disturb the powers that be and is incapable of generating a serious commitment to charity.  While one part of the world is condemned to live in the slums of history, while inequalities grow and the economy punishes the weakest, while society devotes itself to the idolatry of money and consumption, it so happens that the poor and marginalised have no choice but to continue to wait (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 54).

Yet it is precisely here, in the midst of that apocalyptic scene, that Jesus kindles hope.  He opens up the horizon, widens our gaze, so that even in the precariousness and pain of the world, we may learn to grasp the presence of God’s love, which comes close to us, does not abandon us, and acts for our salvation.  In fact, just as the sun darkens and the moon stops shining and the stars fall from the sky, the Gospel says, “they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory.  Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (Mk 13:26-27).

With these words, Jesus alludes to his death that will take place shortly thereafter.  Indeed, on Calvary the sun will fade and night will descend upon the world.  In that very moment, however, the Son of Man will be seen upon the clouds, for the power of his resurrection will break the chains of death, the eternal life of God will rise from the darkness and a new world will be born from the rubble of a history ravaged by evil.

Brothers and sisters, this is the hope that Jesus wants to give us and he does so through a beautiful image.  He asks us to consider the fig tree: “As soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near” (Mk 13:28).  We too are called to interpret the signs of our life here on earth: where there seems to be only injustice, pain and poverty – in the very drama of that moment – the Lord draws near to free us from slavery and in order to make life shine (cf. Mk 13:29).  He draws near to others through our Christian closeness, our Christian fraternity. It is not a matter of throwing a coin into the hands of someone in need.  To those who gives alms, I ask two things: “Do you touch people’s hands or do you throw a coin at them without touching them?  Do you look into the eyes of the person whom you help or do you look away?”.

We, in turn, as his disciples, can sow hope in this world through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We can and must enkindle lights of justice and solidarity even as the shadows of our closed world deepen (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 9-55).  We are the ones that must make his grace shine forth through lives steeped in compassion and charity that become signs of the Lord’s presence, always close to the suffering of the poor in order to heal their wounds and transform their fortune.

Brothers and sisters, let us not forget that Christian hope, fulfilled in Jesus and realized in his kingdom, needs us and our commitment, it needs our faith expressed in works of charity, and it needs Christians who do not look the other way.  I was looking at a photograph that a Roman photographer took: an adult couple, quite elderly, were coming out of a restaurant in winter; the woman was well covered with a fur coat, as was the man.  At the door, there was a poor woman, lying on the floor, begging for alms, and both were looking the other way.  This happens every day.  Let us ask ourselves: do I look the other way when I see the poverty, the needs, or the pain of others?  

A twentieth-century theologian said that the Christian faith must generate in us “a mysticism with open eyes,” not a spirituality that flees from the world but – on the contrary – a faith that opens its eyes to the sufferings of the world and the unhappiness of the poor in order to show Christ’s compassion.  Do I feel the same compassion as the Lord before the poor, before those who have no work, who have no food, who are marginalized by society?

We must look not only at the great problems of world poverty, but at the small things all of us can do each day by our lifestyle; by our attention to and caring for the environment in which we live; by the tenacious pursuit of justice; by sharing our goods with those who are poorer; by a social and political engagement in order to improve the world that surrounds us.  It may seem a small thing to us, but the small things that we do will be like the first leaves sprouting on the fig tree, our little actions will be a foretaste of the summer that is near.

Dear friends, on this World Day of the Poor, I would like to share a warning from Cardinal Martini.  He insisted that we must avoid considering the Church as separate from the poor as if the Church existed as an independent reality that must then care for the poor.  The reality is that we become the Church of Jesus to the extent that we serve the poor, because only in this way “does the Church ‘become’ herself, that is, the Church becomes a house open to all, a place of God’s compassion for the life of every individual” (C.M. Martini, Città senza mura. Letters and speeches to the diocese 1984, Bologna 1985, 350).

I say this to the Church, to Governments and to International Organizations.  I say to everyone: please, let us not forget the poor.

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Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

In the Gospel of today’s liturgy, Jesus describes a great tribulation: “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light” (Mk 13:24). Faced with this suffering, many might think of the end of the world, but the Lord seizes the opportunity to offer a different interpretation, saying: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mk 13:31).

We can take a closer look at this expression: what will pass and what will remain.

First of all, what will pass. 

In some circumstances in our life, when we are going through a crisis or experience some failure, as well as when we see around us the pain caused by wars, violence, natural disasters, we have the feeling that everything is coming to an end, and we feel that even the most beautiful things pass away. Crises and failures, however, though painful, are important, because they teach us to accord everything its due weight, not to attach our hearts to the realities of this world, because they will pass: they are destined to fade away.

At the same time, Jesus talks about what will remain.

Everything passes away, but His words will not pass away: Jesus’ words will remain for eternity. He thus invites us to trust in the Gospel, which contains a promise of salvation and eternity, and not to live under the anguish of death. For while everything passes away, Christ remains. In Him, in Christ, we shall one day find again the things and people who have passed away and who have accompanied us in our earthly existence. In the light of this promise of resurrection, every reality takes on a new meaning: everything dies and we too will one day die, but we will lose nothing of what we have built and loved, because death will be the beginning of a new life.

Brothers and sisters, even in tribulations, in crises, in failures, the Gospel invites us to look at life and history without fear of losing what ends, but with joy for what will remain. Let us not forget that God is preparing for us a future of life and joy.

And so, let us ask ourselves: are we attached to earthly things, which pass away, which pass quickly, or to the words of the Lord, which remain and guide us towards eternity? Let us ask ourselves this question, please. It will help us.

And let us pray to the Blessed Virgin, who entrusted herself totally to the Word of God, so that She may intercede for us.

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“A Jubilee of Solidarity and Shelter»

With the Jubilee beginning on December 24, Pope Francis framed his appeal as a spiritual and moral imperative. He called on Church-owned properties to be leveraged for the common good, emphasizing the necessity of “charitable and solidarity-driven gestures that generate hope for the thousands of people in Rome who lack stable housing or risk losing their homes.”

The Pope’s message stressed that the Church’s mission is not confined to welcoming pilgrims but must extend to serving the vulnerable:  “God’s love generates hope, and His love passes through us,” he wrote, quoting Blessed Don Pino Puglisi: “God always loves through someone.”

A Moral Foundation for Human Dignity

Central to Pope Francis’s message was the Church’s social teaching on human dignity. He reiterated the importance of three inalienable rights: land, housing, and work, which he has frequently highlighted as the foundation of human dignity. Calling on diocesan leaders to make “bold gestures of love for neighbor,” he asked those with unused properties or vacant apartments to put them to use for the benefit of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Practical and Bureaucratic Challenges

While the letter stirred hope among Church and community leaders, it also highlighted a complex reality. Properties within Italy are subject to the nation’s housing regulations, including zoning and tenant laws, which could complicate the Church’s ability to provide immediate relief. Experts warn that bureaucratic hurdles may delay or limit the effectiveness of the initiative.

Despite these challenges, the Pope’s letter directs those willing to respond to contact Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicariate General of the Diocese of Rome. This step aims to streamline efforts and coordinate with civil authorities.

A Broader Vision for the Jubilee Year

The Pope’s call aligns with his vision for a Jubilee rooted in action and service, rather than mere celebration. By addressing housing precarity, Francis seeks to tie the spiritual renewal of the Jubilee to the tangible promotion of human dignity. His appeal reinforces the Church’s role as a force for social transformation, particularly in its home city.

As Rome prepares to welcome millions of pilgrims, the Pope’s call to action serves as a reminder that the spirit of the Jubilee must extend beyond its festivities to embrace those in need. Whether this ambitious vision will surmount the legal and logistical challenges remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the Church must lead with courage and compassion.

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