Pope Francis has shared a heartfelt message with the world for New Year 2025. Brotherhood is the hope for the world. The pontiff argues that this brotherhood isn’t just a catchy phrase or slogan, but is deeply rooted in the figure of Jesus Christ and divine sonship.
Pope Francis explicitly states: “Yes, the hope of the world lies in brotherhood.” This statement elevates brotherhood from a secondary ideal to the pillar of hope for humanity’s future.
The pontiff clarifies that hope in a fraternal world “is not an ideology, not an economic system, not technological progress.” Instead, he bases it on “the incarnate son, sent by the Father so that we can all become what we are: children of the Father in heaven, and therefore, brothers and sisters among ourselves.” This indicates that brotherhood, according to the Pope, is a spiritual and transcendent concept, rooted in religious belief.
The Pope calls for us to “walk together, as pilgrims of hope, on the path of brotherhood.” This pilgrimage metaphor suggests that brotherhood is an ongoing process requiring collective effort.
Rome is gearing up for the Jubilee of 2025, which began on December 24, 2024. This event is described as a time of “indulgence of sins” for pilgrims, who are expected to arrive in large numbers.
The Pope also highlights that “Rome is called to welcome everyone so that all can recognize themselves as children of God and brothers among themselves.” The Jubilee, therefore, becomes an opportunity to foster this universal brotherhood.
The Pope invites a “wise reflection” on the work done in Rome in preparation for the Jubilee. This work, beyond its material value, holds a deeper meaning: “it corresponds to Rome’s own vocation: its universal vocation.” This underscores the importance of Rome’s role as a center of unity and hospitality.
The Pope poses a rhetorical question to emphasize the importance of his message: “Is the hope of a fraternal humanity just a rhetorical slogan or does it have a solid foundation on which to build something stable and lasting?” The answer given is that the solid foundation is Jesus Christ.
Yes, the hope of the world lies in brotherhood. The hope of a fraternal world is not an ideology, not an economic system, not technological progress… but it is about the incarnate son, sent by the Father so that we can all become what we are: children of the Father in heaven, and therefore, brothers and sisters among ourselves
