Paulina Guzik

The pope warned that “many times the pain of the victims has been greater because they were not welcomed and listened to.”

We wouldn’t “leave newborns without clothes or food, waiting for them to choose how to dress and what to eat as adults,” would we?

“It’s very important that we try to build human relationships, good friendships, and above all, friendship with Jesus,” the pope told thousands of young people.

“Civil society and States also have a responsibility to respond concretely to situations of vulnerability, offering solutions to human suffering.”

After an intense day of roundtable discussions, the “low-batteried” but “very pleased” cardinals wrapped the first historic extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV in a spirit of fraternity

“Our College, while rich in many skills and remarkable gifts, is not called primarily to be a mere group of experts, but a community of faith,” the pope said.

On the first day of the two-day consistory, 170 cardinals were present to listen, discuss and select two themes for the meeting.

Cardinals from around the world are gathering at the Vatican Jan. 7-8 for an extraordinary consistory called by Pope Leo XIV.

Those in St. Peter’s Square for the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope took Pope Leo’s words to heart.

As 2025 draws to a close, the plight of persecuted Christians around the world remains dire — and in many places, deeply forgotten.