Pope Francis has declared a Year of Prayer leading up to the 2025 Jubilee, urging the faithful to intensify their prayer life in preparation for the upcoming event.
During his remarks after the Angelus on Sunday, the pontiff emphasized the importance of prayer in personal life, within the Church, and on a global scale.
The Pope highlighted the significance of rediscovering the value of prayer, stating that it is an absolute necessity.
The Dicastery for Evangelization will be responsible for preparing materials to assist in the celebration of the Year of Prayer.
In his announcement, Pope Francis specifically called for prayers for Christian unity and urged believers not to grow weary in seeking divine intervention for peace in various troubled regions worldwide. He mentioned specific areas such as Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Ecuador.
The pontiff expressed deep concern for the vulnerable and innocent victims of conflicts, particularly children who suffer the consequences of violence.
“I think of the little ones, the many children who are injured and killed, those who are deprived of affection, deprived of their dreams and their future,” said Pope Francis.
The Pope also used the occasion to address a pressing humanitarian issue. He called for the release of a group of individuals, including several nuns, who were kidnapped last week in Haiti. Pope Francis emphasized the urgency of praying for their safety and swift release.
