Setting aside the series of catecheses on Christian hope that began on December 18, the Pope dedicated his first catechesis of 2025 to children.
In particular, he highlighted the struggles faced by the most vulnerable minors, emphasizing that such tragedies persist in today's world.
FULL CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH
Dear brothers and sisters: In these final catecheses of the Christmas season, I would like to reflect in a special way on children, their dignity and their welfare. Our world, which can peer into the depths of space, is often blind to the desperate needs of innocent children all around us who are suffering from abject poverty, exploitation and abuse. The Gospels reveal Jesus’ particular love for children, whom he holds up as a model for all those who desire to enter into the kingdom of heaven. As his disciples, we are called to make every effort to ensure that children are not robbed of their childhood and their dreams, especially by the brutality of war and the scourge of child labour. As we begin this Jubilee Year in the sign of hope, let us pray that every child in our world may come to experience love, freedom, security and the promise of a dignified future.
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims, especially those coming from the Philippines and the United States of America. I pray that each of you, and your families, may cherish the joy of Christmas and draw near in prayer to the Saviour who has come to dwell among us. God bless you!
SA
