Pope Francis marked the end of 2024 by leading the Church in giving thanks to God for the past year’s blessings. During the chanting of the Te Deum at the conclusion of First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, the Pope reflected on the significance of Mary in helping us understand the mystery of Jesus. He noted that Mary enables us to read the “signs of the times” in light of Jesus, who is the foundation of human fraternity.
The Pope also highlighted Rome’s vocation to welcome everyone, regardless of their background or faith. He expressed his joy that the city has been preparing to welcome people from all over the world, including Catholics, other Christians, believers of other religions, and seekers of truth, freedom, justice, and peace. Pope Francis emphasized that the hope of a fraternal world lies in Jesus, who is the incarnate Son sent by the Father to make us all children of God and therefore brothers and sisters to one another.
The Pope cautioned that human fraternity is not just a slogan, but rather it must be built on a solid foundation. He emphasized that the “decisive building site” is within each individual, where we must work to allow God to change us and make us worthy of being sons and daughters of God. Pope Francis concluded his homily by praying that Mary, our holy Mother, might help us walk together as pilgrims of hope on the path of fraternity.