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Pope Francis calls for “Pilgrims of Hope” in December prayer intention

Ahead of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, Pope Francis invites Christians to become "pilgrims of hope" through his December 2024 prayer intention.

The pope’s message, released on December 3, highlights the transformative and unifying power of Christian hope in navigating life’s challenges and offering solace to others.

In his video message, Pope Francis described hope as a divine gift that fills life with joy and provides stability amid uncertainties.

He urged believers to “hold on tightly to the rope of hope” and let God inspire them to spread hope to those in despair.

“Hope is not a fleeting feeling but a profound anchor in God’s love,” he explained, encouraging the faithful to reflect on their role as bearers of hope in their communities.

The pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network reinforced the significance of this month’s intention by recalling a pivotal moment in March 2020 when Pope Francis stood alone in an empty St. Peter’s Square to pray for humanity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The image, now etched into collective memory, remains a symbol of resilience and hope in times of crisis.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, echoed the pope’s sentiments, emphasizing that this prayer intention is particularly directed at young people.

“The Holy Father urges youth to embrace a hope rooted in God’s enduring love—a hope that does not disappoint,” he said.

As the Church prepares for the Jubilee, Pope Francis has called on Christians to live as witnesses of hope, embodying the life and joy offered by the Risen Christ.

This December prayer intention serves as a spiritual preparation for the Jubilee, encouraging believers to reflect on their mission in a fractured world.

The Pope Video, which shares his monthly intentions, invites the global Church to join in this prayer, fostering unity and a collective commitment to inspire hope.

As the Jubilee approaches, the message of becoming "pilgrims of hope" resonates deeply in a time marked by division and hardship.

Pope Francis concluded his message with a simple yet profound reminder: “Hope is contagious. Let us spread it, not only for ourselves but for the world.”

 

Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.”  Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.