“Forgive us our trespasses, grant us your peace “ is the title of Pope Francis’s message for the 58th World Day of Peace, which falls on 1 January.
The Holy Father writes:
At the dawn of this New Year given to us by our heavenly Father, a year of Jubilee in the spirit of hope, I offer heartfelt good wishes of peace to every man and woman. I think especially of those who feel downtrodden, burdened by their past mistakes, oppressed by the judgment of others and incapable of perceiving even a glimmer of hope for their own lives. Upon everyone, I invoke hope and peace, for this is a Year of Grace born of the Heart of the Redeemer!
In the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis invites us to look at the many challenges straining the survival of humanity and Creation with a heart full of hope. To do this, we must rely on God’s mercy. By confessing ourselves to Him as debtors, we will rediscover ourselves as all children of the Father and, therefore, all brothers, united on the path of peace.
Pope Francis, who addresses his message of good wishes and hope to Heads of State and Government, Heads of International Organisations, Leaders of different religions and every person of good will, recommends three actions that can truly mark a path of peace: the forgiveness of the international debt; the abolition of the death penalty; and the establishment of a World Fund that will definitively eliminate hunger.
Read the full text of Pope Francis’ Message.
