Pope Advocates "Diplomacy of Hope" Worldwide

Vatican City, January 9, 2025: Pope Francis, on Thursday, called for a "diplomacy of hope" to address global conflicts, foster peace, and promote human dignity. He made this appeal while delivering his ‘State of the World’ address during the annual Audience for Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, at the Vatican. In his address, the 88-year-old pontiff outlined his vision for a ‘diplomacy of hope’ based on truth, forgiveness, freedom, and justice.

The Holy Father began his address, read by Msgr. Filippo Ciampanelli, by highlighting the significance of the Jubilee year for the Catholic Church, saying that it calls all of humanity to rediscover "the true essentials of life”.

Reflecting on the many conflicts, societal tensions, and divisions worldwide, the Pope urged everyone to replace a “logic of confrontation” with a “logic of encounter,” emphasizing the need for hope and collective action to build a peaceful future.

The Holy Father then went on to outline his “diplomacy of hope”, which he said can replace the darkness of war with peace. He also noted the widespread impact of “a sweeping cultural shift driven by rapid technological advancements, which have fostered a consumer-driven culture aligned with commercial interests”.

In response, he advocated for a “diplomacy of truth,” where language, reality, and knowledge are united to create a common understanding. He condemned efforts to reinterpret human rights treaties, describing such actions as ideological colonization that seeks to undermine cultural and religious traditions. He also rejected attempts to establish a "right to abortion."

Pope Francis then called for a "diplomacy of forgiveness" to heal relationships torn by hatred and violence. Urging the international community to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, he warned that war is fueled by the proliferation of destructive weapons and stressed that it is always a failure. The Pope also condemned anti-Semitism, persecution of Christians, and emphasized the importance of religious freedom for peace. He expressed hope for Syria, wishing that all Syrians, including Christians, share in the nation's common good.

Pope Francis also called for a "diplomacy of freedom" to end human trafficking, drug addiction, and modern slavery. He urged nations to support victims of trafficking and migrants seeking better lives, while addressing the root causes of displacement.

The Holy Father added that a diplomacy of hope is also a “diplomacy of justice”. He emphasised that true peace requires justice, linking it to the Jubilee year’s call for debt forgiveness, both societal and fiscal. He also reiterated his call for the abolition of the death penalty.

Concluding his address, Pope Francis highlighted humanity’s ecological debt to our planet, urging countries to take responsibility by sharing financial resources to combat climate change. He called for converting the external debt of poor nations into creative and responsible policies that foster integral human development. As the Jubilee year progresses, the Pope expressed hope that peace may thrive in the hearts of all, inspiring efforts for a better world.

Courtesy: Vatican News