Pope Leo XIV: The Jubilee Year Is a Powerful Sign of the New World

On Wednesday, December 31, the concluding day of the year, Pope Leo XIV officiated the First Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, marking his last liturgical celebration of 2025. Countless faithful in attendance at St. Peter's, 31 December 1979, the Pope stated, "has its own special richness derived from the deep mystery of the participation in this Liturgy and from the marking of the end of the civil year."

The Mayor of Rome has stated that the Jubilee Year of 2025 will be a memorable occasion.

The Divine Blueprint for the World

The biblical excerpt from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, which states, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons,” served as the focal point of Pope Leo’s homily during the vespers.

The Pope remarked that this manner of revealing the mystery of Christ “evokes a grand design for human history—an enigmatic plan, yet one with a distinct focal point, akin to a towering mountain illuminated by the sun amid a thick forest: the ‘fullness of time.’”

In contemporary society, which is heavily encumbered by the weight of sin, we acutely recognize "the necessity for a wise, benevolent, and merciful plan," as articulated by the Pope. Nevertheless, he cautioned that there are additional schemes in operation globally: "tactics designed to dominate markets, territories, and areas of influence; military strategies, masked by insincere rhetoric, ideological declarations, and deceptive religious justifications.

The Jubilee: A Period of Divine Favor

Pope Leo expressed sincere gratitude to God for the "blessing of the Jubilee" before the celebration of the traditional hymn of thanksgiving called "Te Deum" within St. Peter's Basilica. This act serves as a powerful affirmation of God's hope for the world and humanity through the recognition of the significance of a Jubilee as a representation of his loving kindness.

He extended his gratitude to all individuals who dedicated their efforts during the months and days of 2025 to enhance the hospitality of Rome for pilgrims. This hospitality is reflective of what Pope Francis outlined a year before Pope Leo, "I would like it to continue in this way, and I would further add, even more so after this time of grace."

The City of Rome and the Sacrifice of the Martyrs

Pope Leo observed that "the Jubilee serves as a significant indication of a new world, revitalized and harmonized in accordance with God's design. According to this plan, the city of Rome was given a special place in the plan by Providence, not because of its greatness or strength, but because it was the place where Peter and Paul, and many others who died as martyrs for Christ, died. This is also the reason that Rome was called the city of the Jubilee.

Pope Leo expressed his wish for the city to care for the poor and vulnerable when he said, "Let this city, inspired by Christian hope, realize God's design of love for man."

After the liturgy, the Pope proceeded to St. Peter’s Square to offer prayers at the nativity scene and to extend greetings to the faithful and pilgrims in attendance.