Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark has addressed the faithful in a message highlighting the theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year, "Pilgrims of Hope." Cardinal Tobin emphasized the significance of pilgrimages in religious traditions, referencing how the Holy Family annually traveled from Nazareth to Jerusalem for Passover.

Pope Benedict XVI's reflections on these pilgrimages underscore their importance as a testament to Israel being "the pilgrim people of God," always journeying towards God and finding identity through encounters at the Temple. Pope Francis' Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year 2025, titled "Spes non confundit" (Hope does not disappoint), further explores hope as a central virtue.

Pope Francis urges believers to use this Holy Year to renew their hope amidst global challenges, emphasizing peace and addressing suffering through diplomacy and social action. He calls on everyone to be "Pilgrims of Hope," actively working towards a better future by engaging with signs of hope in difficult times.

Cardinal Tobin notes that hope is an essential part of life, even when absent, as it represents an expectation for good things despite uncertainty about the future. According to Pope Francis:

"The unpredictability of the future often gives rise to conflicting feelings: from trust to fear, serenity to discouragement, certainty to doubt. We frequently encounter discouraged individuals who view the future with skepticism and pessimism."

Christians continue pilgrimage traditions with hopeful spirits, recognizing that their ultimate destination is spiritual rather than earthly. This journey follows Jesus on his path toward eternal joy in heaven.

The six weeks of Lent offer an opportunity for preparation leading up to Easter's special joy. The light of hope guides pilgrims following Jesus' footsteps, united by the Holy Spirit against discouragement or losing direction.

During this Jubilee Year and especially during Lent, believers are encouraged by Cardinal Tobin to walk confidently together with Jesus through both good times and hardships:

"May the Holy Spirit accompany us all into Easter joy."

In his message for Lent 2025 titled "Words of Challenge and Hope," Pope Francis reflects on traveling together in faith while responding individually—and collectively—to God's call for conversion:

"We begin our annual Lenten pilgrimage with faith-filled penitential rites like receiving ashes... Let us open our hearts fully so we can celebrate Christ's victory over sin."

He draws parallels between biblical exodus journeys toward freedom led by God’s love—and modern-day migrants seeking better lives—urging reflection upon personal progress away from sinfulness or stagnation due fears/despair:

"A good Lenten exercise would be comparing daily life experiences against those faced by migrants/foreigners..."

Walking together means fostering unity based upon shared dignity among God's children without exclusionary practices hindering anyone along their path toward divine goals:

"As bishops/priesthood members/consecrated persons/laity serving Kingdom purposes cooperatively—welcoming gestures extend far beyond proximity boundaries..."

Finally focusing upon enduring promise-based hopes centralizing around unyielding belief within resurrection triumphs underpinning Christian faith foundations:

"This third conversion appeal involves trusting deeply within divine assurances regarding eternal salvation possibilities offered freely via unconditional forgiveness/grace-filled pathways leading ultimately unto Father’s heavenly abode."