Pope Leo XIV lamented this Wednesday that the year 2025, which is about to conclude, has been marked by the devastation caused by armed conflicts and by the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, during the last general audience of the year held in St. Peter’s Square.
In his catechesis before thousands of faithful who came to the Vatican despite the cold, the pontiff recalled that the year was also marked by significant and positive moments, including the pilgrimage of numerous believers on the occasion of the Holy Year, which he described as an expression of faith and hope.
However, Leon XIV emphasized that 2025 also left painful episodes for the Church and the international community. In that sense, he evoked the death of the “beloved” Pope Francis, which occurred last April, and lamented the war scenarios that, according to him, continue to devastate different regions of the planet.
The pontiff called for reflection and prayer for peace, while urging the faithful to maintain hope and commitment to the values of solidarity and fraternity at the start of the new year.
