Overview
- In his final audience and year‑end liturgy, he said 2025 was scarred by wars and by April’s death of Pope Francis.
- He denounced attempts to seize markets, territory and influence through “armed strategies” wrapped in hypocritical ideological or religious discourse.
- The Holy Year drew large crowds to Rome, with Vatican figures citing 3.2 million participants at liturgies, audiences and Jubilee events in 2025.
- Before the audience he greeted pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, including a group of 35 Palestinian youths from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
- He confirmed the Jubilee will conclude on January 6 and, on January 1, opened 2026 urging a “disarmed and disarming” peace and care for the vulnerable.