Pope Francis opens the Holy Year 2025, continues calls for peace, and addresses global challenges, emphasizing love, hope, and dialogue amid crises

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas message and blessing from the Vatican at noon local time.

Pope Francis encourages us not to look at the future "with pessimism and resignation," but to always choose the path of love and view

As the Pope left the Rebibbia prison, he stopped to greet the 300 inmates and staff who had waited outside of the crowded chapel on the cold December morning.

Pope Francis kicked off the 2025 Holy Year on Tuesday, inaugurating a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome in a test of the pope's stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them.

Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire on all war fronts in his Sunday prayer ahead of Christmas celebrations, condemning the “cruelty” of bombing schools and hospitals in Ukraine and Gaza.

Pope Francis called for peace around the world and for global conflicts to end in his annual “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas message to the faithful.

Marking the Holy Year of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis opened a Holy Door at a prison in Rome on Thursday, offering a message of hope and forgiveness to inmates. "Do not lose hope, that is the message I want to give you,

(Abdel Kareem Hana | AP) Palestinian women and girls struggle to reach for food at a distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, in December 2024. The Israel-Hamas war — including the international fallout — was named the top religion story of 2024.

Professor Tracey, who was the programme's guest editor, invited Francis to deliver a message. He spoke of creating “a world full of hope and kindness” in a recorded message broadcast this morning (December 27).

Pope Francis has spoken of creating “a world full of hope and kindness” in a recorded message broadcast on BBC Radio 4.The head of the Catholic Church wished listeners “peace, fellowship and gratitude” in the new year as he gave the Thought for the Day on Saturday.