It opens with happy new year greetings first Angelus of Pope Leo XIV of this 2026. «While the rhythm of the months repeats itself», says the Pontiff, addressing the faithful present in a freezing but sunlit St. Peter’s Square, «the Lord invites us to renew our time, finally inaugurating an era of peace and friendship between all peoples; without this desire for good there would be no point in turning the pages of the calendar and filling our agendas. The Jubilee, which is about to end”, adds the Pope, “has taught us how to cultivate the hope of a new world, converting the heart to God so as to transform wrongs into forgiveness, pain into consolation and intentions of virtue into good works. It is with this style, in fact, that God himself inhabits history and saves it from oblivion, giving the world the Redeemer: Jesus, the Only Begotten Son who becomes our brother, enlightens consciences of good will, so that we can build the future as a hospitable home for every man and every woman who comes to light.”
The Pope recalls that the «today the celebration of Christmas brings our gaze to Mary, who was the first to hear the heart of Christ beating; in the silence of her virginal womb the Word of life announces itself as a heartbeat of grace. God, a good creator, has always known Mary’s heart and our heart; by becoming man, He makes us know his own: therefore”, he underlines, “the heart of Jesus beats for every man and every 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 others: it beats for the just so that they persevere in their dedication and for the unjust so that they change their lives and find peace.”
Eight days before Christmas, the Pope invites us to focus on the mystery of the Incarnation: «The Savior comes into the world born of a woman: let us pause to adore this event, which shines in the Most Holy Mary and is reflected in every unborn childrevealing the divine image imprinted on our body.”
And remember that today marks the 59th World Day of Peace: «On this day let us all pray together for peace, first of all among the nations bloodied by conflicts and misery, but also in our homes and families wounded by violence and pain. Certain that Christ, our hope, is the sun of justice that never goes out, we confidently ask for the intercession of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church.”
At the end of the Marian prayer, the Pope reciprocated the wishes that the Head of State Mattarella had addressed to him on Wednesday evening in his end-of-year message: «Best wishes for peace and all good things! With deep gratitude I return them to the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella».
The Pontiff focused on the theme and meaning of today’s Day: «Since 1 January 1968, by will of Pope Saint Paul VI, today is celebrated as the World Day of Peace», he recalled, «in my Message I wanted to reiterate the wish that the Lord suggested to me when calling me to this service: “Peace be with you all!”. An unarmed and disarming peace, which comes from God, a gift of his unconditional love entrusted to our responsibility”. Dear ones, with the grace of Christ we begin today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and abstaining from all violence. I express my appreciation for the countless initiatives promoted on this occasion all over the world», the Pope continued, «in particular I remember the national march that took place yesterday evening in Catania, and I greet the participants in the one organized today by the Community of Sant’Egidio».
The Pontiff recalled that 2026 occurs in this year the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi: «I would like to convey to each person his blessing taken from the Sacred Scripture: “May the Lord bless you and keep you, show you his face and have mercy on you, turn his gaze towards you and give you peace”». And he concluded: «May the Holy Mother of God guide us on the path of the new year. Best wishes to everyone!”.
