Pope Francis urges people to end ‘false neutrality’ to combat injustices in

The Pope’s sentiment was echoed by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in his New Year message, which encouraged members of the British public to sympathise with refugees.

“Our eyes need to focus on the particular signs God has given us, to see His merciful love first-hand”, Francis said.

In addition to the praying of Vespers, the celebrations were also marked by the chanting of the Te Deum, an ancient prayer of praise which grants the one who recites it publicly on New Year’s Eve a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions. News storiesdisplayed here appear in our category for worldwide and are licensed via a specific agreement between LongIsland.comand The Associated Press, the world’s oldest and largest news organization.

Pope Francis arrives to lead a special audience with the International Congress of Pueri Cantores in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 31.

The Catholic church dedicates New Year’s Day to the theme of peace, and Francis stresses mercy during 2016 as the path toward reconciliation.

“Good things”, he said, “never make the news”.

Francis also condemned a political corruption scandal that hit Rome, the city of which he is also bishop. Peace had to be “cultivated” and “won”, he said, beginning with a “spiritual struggle that starts within our hearts”.

Each year, the pontiff issues a longer written message for World Peace Day, the text for which is generally released in advance.

He cautioned that “the enemy of peace isn’t only war, but also indifference”. Francis wants media coverage to counterbalance the violence and hate in the world with more inspirational stories.

“History does not determine the birth of Christ; rather, his coming into the world enables history to attain its fullness”, the Pope said in his homily Friday morning in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis on Wednesday launched a prayer appeal for victims of recent natural disasters in the United States, Great Britain and South America.