Pope Francis has urged wealthier nations to consider debt forgiveness for poorer countries to foster global development and alleviate the economic struggles of indebted nations.
The Pope’s appeal was delivered in his 2025 World Day of Peace message, which is observed annually on Jan. 1 to promote global harmony. This year’s theme, “Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Grant Us Your Peace,” highlights the significance of mercy and forgiveness in achieving peace.
The message was read by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, during a commemorative Mass held at the Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral in Lagos.
Quoting the Pope, Archbishop Martins said, “God does not measure the sins we commit but instead abounds in mercy for the great love He has for us. He hears the cries of the poor and the earth.”
The Pontiff emphasized that nations should reflect on divine mercy and extend similar forgiveness to one another, particularly in the context of debt relief.
“In teaching us to pray the ‘Our Father,’ Jesus calls on us to seek forgiveness and extend it to others, offering hope rooted in our experiences of God’s mercy,” Pope Francis stated.
He underscored that such hope leads to generosity, untainted by self-interest, and can uplift the downtrodden, heal the brokenhearted, and liberate those in bondage.
At the start of this “Year of Grace,” Pope Francis presented three proposals aimed at restoring
