Pope urges faithful to reject abortion in New Year message

Pope Francis began the New Year with a passionate appeal for a deeper commitment to protecting human life and rejecting abortion.

During the New Year’s Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, the pope asked the faithful to care for life in all its forms, especially the most vulnerable.

In his homily, Francis prayed for a world where every child, from the moment of conception, is valued. "Let us protect the precious gift of life: life in the womb, the lives of children, the lives of the suffering, the poor, the elderly, the lonely, and the dying," he said. He also called for a collective effort to respect human dignity and to instill hope for the future in every person.

According to the Associated Press, Pope Francis, known for his progressive approach early in his pontificate, has taken a stronger stance on abortion in recent years. He has compared abortion to "hiring a hitman" and criticised Belgium’s abortion law as "homicidal." The Vatican recently announced plans to beatify King Baudouin of Belgium, who temporarily abdicated in 1990 rather than sign legislation legalising abortion, wrote the Associated Press.

The morning Mass marked the final big event of Francis' busy Christmas schedule. For the pope, who suffers from recurrent respiratory problems, this year's season was even more challenging with the start of the Vatican's big Holy Year, a once-every-quarter-century celebration of the faith that is expected to bring 32 million pilgrims to Rome in 2025.

Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Don't miss the Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac signs.