By Devin Watkins | Vatican News | January 9, 2025
At the annual audience with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See on January 9, 2025, Pope Francis shared a profound vision for fostering peace and reconciliation through a ‘diplomacy of hope.’ Delivered on his behalf by Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli, the Pope’s message emphasized the pillars of truth, forgiveness, freedom, and justice as essential to building a harmonious global community.
A Call to Rediscover the Essential
The Pope began by reflecting on the significance of the Jubilee Year 2025, urging individuals and nations alike to focus on what truly matters. He commended the Italian authorities for preparing Rome to host millions of pilgrims and highlighted the turbulent state of the world, marked by conflicts, societal tensions, and divisions.
Encouraging a shift from a “logic of confrontation” to a “logic of encounter,” Pope Francis invited all to embark on a journey as “pilgrims of hope,” committed to building a future of peace.
Truth: A Foundation for Hopeful Diplomacy
Pope Francis underscored the need for a “diplomacy of truth” to counter cultural shifts driven by consumerism and technological exploitation. He called for a universal language rooted in truth and reality, lamenting the ideological manipulation of human rights treaties and the promotion of controversial agendas, such as the so-called “right to abortion.”
Forgiveness: Healing Hatred and Violence
Addressing global conflicts, the Pope proposed a “diplomacy of forgiveness” to heal broken relationships. He appealed for peace in Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, and other troubled regions, condemning war as a “failure” and urging the cessation of arms proliferation.
He also highlighted the growing threats of anti-Semitism and persecution against Christians, reiterating the importance of religious freedom as a cornerstone of peace.
Freedom and Justice: Cornerstones of Peace
Pope Francis called for a “diplomacy of freedom” to end modern forms of slavery, such as human trafficking, and to address the root causes of migration. He also championed a “diplomacy of justice,” urging nations to forgive debts, eliminate the death penalty, and create policies that foster integral human development.
Ecological Responsibility and a Shared Future
The Pope reminded the world of its ecological debt, advocating for financial resource-sharing to combat climate change and support poorer nations. He suggested converting external debts into development programs that promote sustainability.
A Message of Hope for the Jubilee Year
Concluding his address, Pope Francis extended his prayers to the victims of the recent earthquake in Tibet and urged diplomats to embrace hope as the Jubilee Year unfolds, envisioning a world where peace and reconciliation prevail.
This profound call for a ‘diplomacy of hope’ reflects Pope Francis’ commitment to fostering dialogue, healing divisions, and inspiring collective action for a better future.
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 