Pope Francis after his traditional New Years’ Day Angelus prayer, issued a powerful call to political leaders, urging them to “set a good example by canceling or significantly reducing the debts of poorest countries”.
Addressing a crowded St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis once again emphasized his firm “no” to war, declaring that it “always destroys”.
He also urged that no country or people should be “crushed by debts.”
He made an appeal saying, “God is the first to forgive debts, as we always ask in the ‘Our Father,’” Pope Francis said.
“The Jubilee calls us to translate this forgiveness into social terms so that no individual, family, or people are crushed by debts. I encourage leaders of nations with Christian traditions to set an example by canceling or significantly reducing the debts of the poorest countries”.
The Pope extended his heartfelt thanks to all those in conflict-ridden areas across the globe, who are working diplomatically to promote justice and peace.
“I express my deep gratitude to everyone who, in the many regions plagued by conflict, work toward dialogue and negotiations. Let us pray for an end to all fighting and for a decisive focus on peace and reconciliation. My thoughts go to war-torn Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, [North] Kivu, and so many other people in conflict” he said.
