Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Pope Francis has issued a message for the World Day of Peace on January 1, 2025, marking the start of the Jubilee year of Hope. The Pope's address calls for global efforts to establish justice and peace. He highlights the importance of forgiveness in achieving hope and peace, stating that "Hope, the Pope beautifully describes."

The Pope's message emphasizes themes from his teachings, asserting that "This is the way Our Holy Father says." His proposals include forgiving foreign debt to acknowledge ecological debts between northern and southern regions, redirecting funds from armaments to combat hunger and promote sustainable development, and eliminating the death penalty.

These proposals align with Hawaiian cultural practices such as reconciliation and harmony restoration. The Pope encourages embracing forgiveness and addressing systemic injustices with compassion. This resonates with Hawaii's seasonal themes of renewal and resource redistribution.

Pope Francis concludes his message with a personal proposal for all individuals. He ends with a prayer to inaugurate this Jubilee Year. For further details on these messages, visit www.humandevelopment.va.