Pope Francis extended an invitation to the faithful during the Angelus on Sunday, December 22, to bless and praise mothers, while also reflecting on the miracle of life. Speaking from the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican, the Pope, who is recovering from a cold, reflected on the Gospel passage where the Virgin Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. He highlighted the significance of the meeting between the two women, who were both blessed with the extraordinary gift of motherhood.
The Pope emphasized that the Gospel is not distant from our reality, but rather helps us recognize God’s presence and love in our lives, particularly in the gift of every life, every child, and their mother. He stressed the importance of valuing and blessing mothers, especially pregnant women and their babies, and encouraged the faithful not to be indifferent to their presence. Instead, he urged them to admire their beauty and bless mothers, praising God for the miracle of life.
Pope Francis also shared a personal anecdote from his time as Archbishop in Buenos Aires, where he observed people giving up their seats on public transport to pregnant women, a gesture he described as “one of hope and respect.” As Christmas approaches, the Holy Father invited the faithful to go beyond decorations and lights, and to express joy and gratitude whenever they meet a mother with her child. He encouraged them to bless mothers, just as Elizabeth did, saying, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
In conclusion, Pope Francis posed key questions for reflection during this Christmas season: “Do I thank the Lord because he became man like us? Do I praise the Lord for every child that is born? Do I uphold and defend the sacred value of the life of the little ones from their conception in the womb?” He prayed that Mary, the Blessed among all women, would help the faithful experience wonder and gratitude before the mystery of the life that is born.