Merry Christmas From the Holy See!
As the Christmas season comes to a close, the Holy See Mission extends warm wishes for a joyful and peaceful New Year. Reflecting on the celebration of Christ's birth, we are grateful for the hope, love, and peace His presence brings into our lives.
May the year ahead bring renewed hope and blessings to all.
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis
"URBI ET ORBI"
Christmas 2024
In his Christmas message, Pope Francis reflects on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God, who came to offer love, forgiveness, and reconciliation to the world. He invites all to embrace God's open door of mercy, symbolized by the Holy Door of the Jubilee, urging individuals, communities, and nations to return to God, seek forgiveness, and foster peace.
The Pope calls for courage to cross the threshold of this door, leaving behind divisions, and working towards healing and reconciliation, especially in regions torn by conflict such as Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. He emphasizes the need for political leaders to prioritize justice, peace, and the dignity of all people, and for humanity to work together to overcome hatred and division.
Pope Francis also acknowledges the sacrifices of those who serve others, particularly during these challenging times, and encourages everyone to forgive as God forgives. He concludes by wishing all a blessed and peaceful Christmas, urging everyone to open their hearts to the love and mercy of Christ, the true Door of Salvation.
"The Door is open, the door is wide open! There is no need to knock on the door. It is open. Come!" - Pope Francis
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis
for the LVIII World Day of Peace
1st January 2025
'FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES:
GRANT US YOUR PEACE'
In his New Year message, Pope Francis reflects on the Year of Jubilee as an invitation to embrace hope, forgiveness, and peace. He acknowledges the many challenges facing humanity today, inequality, environmental destruction, and the exploitation of both people and the earth, and calls for a transformation of hearts and systems toward greater justice. The Pope emphasizes that the Jubilee, rooted in God's grace, invites us to confront these issues not with mere charity, but with lasting cultural and structural change.
He calls for the cancellation of unjust debts, both financial and ecological, urging the global community to adopt a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility. In his three proposals for a renewed future, Pope Francis asks for a commitment to human dignity, the eradication of hunger, and the reallocation of resources from war to peace-building and sustainable development.
Ultimately, Pope Francis reminds us that true peace comes from hearts disarmed of selfishness and fear, ready to forgive and to heal the divisions that separate us. His prayer for peace is a call to every person, inviting all to embark on a journey of hope, forgiveness, and mutual care, guided by the love and mercy of God.
"True peace can be born only from a heart 'disarmed' of anxiety and the fear of war."
-Pope Francis
Holy See Statements
at the United Nations
Archbishop Caccia Delivers Statement at the Second Preparatory Committee of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)
6 December 2024
On 6 December 2024, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, issued a statement at the second session of the Preparatory Committee of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4).
The Archbishop thanked the Co-Facilitators for the Elements Paper, which recognizes the ongoing global challenges, including the failure of past financing efforts to address persistent inequalities, that have delayed progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlighting the urgency of prioritizing the needs of vulnerable Countries, particularly those in special situations, the Archbishop echoed Pope Francis’s call for solidarity through stronger commitments on debt management and restructuring, advocating also for debt cancellation for Countries unable to repay.
Finally, Archbishop Caccia emphasized that poverty eradication must be the central focus of all financing efforts, framing it as both a moral and developmental imperative to respect human dignity and achieve sustainable development.
Life at the Mission
Goodbye to the Fall Interns!
On December 18th, we said goodbye to our fall interns, who have contributed to our work over the past few months. Their efforts and insights have been highly appreciated, and we’re grateful for the time and energy they’ve dedicated to the team. While we’ll miss their presence, we wish them all the best as they move on to their next steps!
Central Park Ice-Skating and Hot Chocolate at the Residency!
On December 7th, members of staff and interns enjoyed a fun day of ice skating, followed by homemade hot chocolate at the mission residence. It was a great opportunity to relax and spend time together outside of work in the midst of the busy winter season.
H.E. Archbishop Caccia honoured at the CNEWA Gala at the Metropolitan club, New York!
On December 10th, at the CNEWA Gala held at the Metropolitan, our Archbishop was honored for his contributions to the mission of peace and solidarity. It was a well-deserved acknowledgment of his hard work and commitment. The Holy Seee mission interns were kindly invited to the event.
Birthdays at the Holy See Mission Office
Happy Birthday!
On the 3rd of December, Tracy Young celebrated her Birthday!
Ad multos annos!