Pope Francis Offers Pro-Life New Year's Message

Pope Francis started the new year with a powerful call for the defense of life, emphasizing the Catholic Church's stance against abortion. During a New Year's Day Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, he urged for a "firm commitment" to honor human life from conception to natural death. He described life as a "precious gift," advocating for the protection of the unborn and the vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and those suffering.

In recent years, Francis has intensified his discourse against abortion, often likening it to "hiring a hitman to solve a problem." His criticism has stirred controversy, notably in Belgium, where he condemned the country's abortion laws as "homicidal." The Vatican is currently progressing in the beatification process of Belgium's former King Baudouin, who abdicated for one day as a protest against abortion legislation.

This address capped a demanding Christmas period for the 88-year-old pontiff, who faces ongoing respiratory issues. His New Year message also set the stage for the Vatican's upcoming Holy Year in 2025, an event anticipated to attract 32 million pilgrims to Rome. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)