Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has shared a message reflecting on the Jubilee Year 2025 theme, "Pilgrims of Hope." He draws inspiration from religious traditions and emphasizes the significance of pilgrimage as a spiritual journey. Cardinal Tobin highlights Pope Francis' focus on hope, particularly during global challenges.

Pope Francis has centered his papacy around hope, urging believers to renew their faith amidst adversity. He encourages engagement with signs of hope and social action for a better future. The pope states that uncertainty about the future can lead to mixed emotions but emphasizes that hope is essential in overcoming despair.

"Uncertainty about the future may at times give rise to conflicting feelings," says Pope Francis. "Hope is the virtue that shatters despair and makes it possible for us to believe in God’s ability to transform darkness into light."

The six weeks of Lent are seen as a time for preparation leading up to Easter. Cardinal Tobin urges Christians to be "confident Pilgrims of Hope" during this period.

Pope Francis also addresses themes of journeying together in his Lenten message. He calls for synodality within the Church, emphasizing unity and cooperation among believers. He reflects on biblical journeys and relates them to modern-day challenges faced by migrants.

"The Jubilee motto, 'Pilgrims of Hope,' evokes the lengthy journey of the people of Israel," he notes. "It is hard to think of the biblical exodus without also thinking of those...fleeing situations of misery and violence."

The pope's message includes three calls to conversion: recognizing life's pilgrimage nature, fostering community through synodality, and embracing hope as central to Christian life.

"This Lent...let us journey together in hope," Pope Francis writes. "May the hope that does not disappoint...be the focus of our Lenten journey towards the victory of Easter."

He concludes by invoking Mary, Mother of Hope, asking for her intercession during Lent.

Cardinal Tobin closes with a prayer asking for divine guidance through hardships such as pandemics and economic difficulties.