Dec 20, 2025, 6:12 p.mDec 20, 2025, 6:12 p.m
Pope Leo XIVImage: keystone
Pope Leo XIV criticized the gap between rich and poor in the world in a packed St. Peter’s Square. The wealth of the earth lies in the hands of a few – very few, said the Pope at the last anniversary audience of the Holy Year.
Wealth is unfairly concentrated more and more in the hands of those who often do not want to listen to the groans of the earth and the poor. God intended all the goods of creation for everyone so that everyone could share in them. At the same time, the pontiff warned to maintain hope. “We remain pilgrims of hope.”
Holy year in its final stages
After Christmas Eve, the Holy Year enters its final spurt and the Holy Gates are closed. During the Holy Year, also known as the Jubilee Year, believers were able to obtain remission of their sins. First, the gates of St. Mary’s Church of Santa Maria Maggiore close on Christmas Day.
The Holy Year ends on January 6, 2026. At Christmas 2024, Pope Francis, who was already in poor health at the time, rang in the year while sitting in a wheelchair by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Immediately after the end of the Holy Year, Pope Leo XIV called the first extraordinary consistory of his pontificate. The meeting of the College of Cardinals is scheduled for January 7th and 8th, the Vatican announced. The cardinals are called upon to support the Pope in his great responsibility in leading the universal Church. (sda/dpa)