A survey of the news hardly inspires hope. The political divide in this country hasn’t improved. Foreign wars, hunger at home and famine abroad, and crime are almost always followed by apathy. Life is hard—but it wasn’t designed to be easy. It was created for us to enjoy. Pope Francis’ jubilee theme for this year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” was announced in 2024 and then quickly eaten alive by more scintillating news stories. The 2024 election and ensuing holidays kept us distracted from the good news Pope Francis was eager to share. But this jubilee is coming at a perfect time.
To commemorate the 2,025th anniversary of the incarnation of the Lord, Pope Francis believes we must “fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.”
Here are three memorable lines from his papal bull that give us reason to be hope-filled.
“Hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross.” It isn’t for another month, but the pope’s line is so infused with Lenten wisdom that it puts us in an Easter mindset now. If hope is born from love, and Jesus surrendered his life out of love for all of humanity, then hope is everlasting. His death meant humanity should be hopeful. It isn’t finite. It’s boundless.
“During the holy year, we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardships of any kind.” If you are reading these words without the threat of war, poverty, or violence looming overhead, you are blessed. For those who face such realities, our comfortable lives must seem like a fever dream. We would do well to spend this year thankful for what we have and prayerful for those who have less.
“Signs of hope are also needed by those who are the very embodiment of hope, namely, the young. Sadly, they often see their dreams and aspirations frustrated. We must not disappoint them, for the future depends on their enthusiasm.” As I have just entered my 50s, I can now say with authority: I worry about our youth.
Social media is a proven parasite of peace, self-esteem, and true imagination. According to a 2024 Social Media Content Strategy Report, over 90 percent of Gen Z are on Instagram, and another 86 percent are on TikTok. Unlikely to find authentic hope on these platforms, it must be our job to provide it.
‘An Easter People’
What I love about Pope Francis and this jubilee year that we are in is that it shows, yet again, how vigilant he is about the world’s woes but savvy enough to leverage a worldwide celebration to counter it.
It speaks to our collective need to seek the light, where salvation awaits. And the spirit of it harkens to a line attributed to Pope John Paul II about who we are as Christians and how our joy—and, indeed, our hope—should be our compass in a confusing world: “We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!”
Learn more about the jubilee at USCCB.org/Jubilee2025.
