Dear brothers and sisters, happy New Year!

While the rhythm of passing months repeats itself, the Lord invites us to renew our times by finally ushering in an era of peace and friendship among all peoples. Without this desire for the good, there would be no point in turning the pages of the calendar and filling our diaries.

The Jubilee, which is about to end, has taught us how to cultivate hope for a new world. We do this by converting our hearts to God, so as to transform wrongs into forgiveness, pain into consolation, and resolutions of virtue into good works. In this way, God himself dwells in history and saves it from oblivion, giving the world our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He is the Only Begotten Son who becomes our brother, illuminating the consciences of people of good will, so that we can build the future as a welcoming home for every man and woman who comes into the world.

In this regard, the feast of Christmas today directs our gaze towards Mary, who was the first to experience Christ’s beating heart. In the silence of her virginal womb, the Word of life presents himself as a heartbeat of grace.

God, the good Creator, has always known Mary’s heart and our hearts. By becoming man, he makes his heart known to us. The heart of Jesus, therefore, beats for every man and woman; for those who are ready to welcome him, like the shepherds, and for those who do not want him, like Herod. His heart is not indifferent to those who have no heart for their neighbour: it beats for the righteous, so that they may persevere in their dedication, as well as for the unrighteous, so that they may change their lives and find peace.

The Saviour comes into the world by being born of a woman. Let us pause to adore this event, which shines forth in Mary Most Holy and is reflected in every unborn child, revealing the divine image imprinted in our humanity.

On this World Day, let us all pray together for peace: first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain. Certain that Christ, our hope, is the sun of justice that never sets, let us confidently implore the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

Dear brothers and sisters,

I warmly greet all of you, gathered in Saint Peter’s Square on this first day of the year, and I offer good wishes of peace. With deep gratitude I reciprocate the greetings of the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

Since 1 January 1968, at the request of Pope Saint Paul VI, today the World Day of Peace is celebrated. In my Message, I wanted to repeat the wish that the Lord suggested to me when calling me to this service: “Peace be with you all!” A peace that is unarmed and disarming, which comes from God, a gift of his unconditional love, and is entrusted to our responsibility.

Dear friends, with the grace of Christ, let us begin today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and refraining from all violence.

I express appreciation for the countless initiatives promoted on this occasion around the world. In particular, I remember the national March that took place yesterday evening in Catania, and I greet the participants in today’s march organized by the Sant’Egidio community.

I also greet the group of students and teachers from Richland, New Jersey, and all of the Romans and pilgrims present.

At the beginning of this year, which marks the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis, I would like to extend to each person his blessing, taken from Sacred Scripture: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

May the Holy Mother of God guide us on our journey in the new year. Best wishes to everyone!

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