Vatican City: Pope Francis has made a heartfelt plea to global leaders to cancel or significantly reduce the debts of underprivileged nations. Speaking to thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square after the Angelus prayer on New Year’s Day, the Pope emphasized the need for forgiveness, compassion, and social justice. He urged Christian-majority nations to set an example of solidarity by embracing debt relief during this Jubilee Year, which carries a symbolic message of liberation and renewal.

Drawing on the spiritual significance of the Jubilee Year, the Pope highlighted the importance of ensuring no individual, family, or country is crushed under the weight of debt. “God is the first to forgive our debts, as we pray in the ‘Our Father.’ This divine forgiveness must inspire us to translate it into social terms,” he said. He called on governments to act decisively, reminding them of their moral duty to promote fairness and alleviate suffering.

The Pontiff commended efforts to foster peace worldwide, expressing gratitude to diplomats and peacemakers working tirelessly to resolve conflicts. He urged prayers for war-torn regions, specifically mentioning Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province. "War is always a defeat," he declared passionately, reflecting on recent images of destruction broadcasted on Italian television.

Pope Francis also acknowledged Italian President Sergio Mattarella, praising his New Year address, which aligned with the Vatican’s focus on unity, migration, and environmental challenges. Extending his prayers and best wishes, the Pope reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to addressing global issues.

In his message, Pope Francis honored the vision of Pope Saint Paul VI, who dedicated the first day of the year to the cause of peace. He praised the prayers and initiatives undertaken by parishes, dioceses, and organizations to promote dialogue and reconciliation in conflict zones.

The Pope’s message for the World Day of Peace, released in December, is shared globally with world leaders through Vatican ambassadors. In his message, Pope Francis urged countries to take meaningful actions, including ending the use of the death penalty, redirecting a portion of military spending to a global fund addressing hunger and climate change, canceling the international debts of developing nations, and upholding the sanctity of human life.

The Pope's appeal underscores the Vatican's ongoing advocacy for global justice and equity. By addressing debt relief, promoting peace, and fostering unity, Pope Francis called for tangible actions to support vulnerable communities and combat growing inequalities in the world.