This was the first ‘Jubilee audience’; and public catechesis the Pope wanted to add to his agenda for 2025.
It is a public meeting with pilgrims that will take place every two Saturdays a month and is organised to mark the Jubilee. The event is expected to bring more pilgrims to Rome than usual and the pontiff wants to make time for them.
POPE FRANCIS
This morning we begin the Saturday Jubilee audiences, the idea of which is to welcome and embrace all those who come from all over the world to seek a new beginning. The Jubilee, in fact, is a new beginning.
The Pope said at these meetings he would like to spend a lot of time reflecting on Hope, which is the theme of this Jubilee.
POPE FRANCIS
It is a strength that comes from God. Hope, therefore, is not a habit or a character trait – that you either have or you don’t – but a strength to be asked for. That is why we make ourselves pilgrims: we come to ask for a gift, to start again on life’s journey.
At this event, Pope Francis' recent difficulty in walking was confirmed. He has been using a wheelchair for some time, but in the last few days he has also been using it for short journeys. For weeks he has been suffering from a cold which has forced him to delegate some of his speeches to collaborators. But he has not missed any of his official appointments or meetings with the faithful.
