Pope Leo XIV ended 2025 urging Rome to be more welcoming to foreigners and vulnerable residents during New Year’s Eve vespers at St. Peter’s Basilica. He thanked volunteers who managed crowds for the 2025 Holy Year and echoed Pope Francis’ call for greater hospitality. The Vatican reported about 3.2 million participants in official events this year, with numbers rising after Leo’s election in May following Francis’ illness and death in April.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Rome To Welcome Foreigners and the Vulnerable as 2025 Ends
Pope Leo XIV arrives to preside over the first Vespers and the 'Te Deum' in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Pope Leo XIV closed out 2025 on Wednesday with a plea that Rome become more welcoming to foreigners and to people who are vulnerable, both young and old.
Pope Leo XIV presides over the first Vespers and the 'Te Deum' in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Presiding over New Year’s Eve vespers at St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo gave thanks for the 2025 Holy Year — the once-every-25-years Jubilee that drew millions of pilgrims to Rome. Although the Jubilee will be officially concluded on Jan. 6, he used his homily to thank the city and the many volunteers who helped manage the huge crowds and assist pilgrims passing through the Holy Door.
Pope Leo XIV presides over the first Vespers and the 'Te Deum' in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
“I would like Rome to be so again, and I would say even more so after this time of grace,” Pope Leo said, recalling Pope Francis’ opening of the Holy Year on Dec. 24, 2024, and Francis’ appeal for greater hospitality in the city.
Leo urged Romans to care for “its little ones” — children; lonely and frail elderly people; families struggling to get by; and men and women who have come from afar seeking a dignified life. Among those in the pews were Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and other civic and religious dignitaries.
Pope Leo XIV presides over the first Vespers and the 'Te Deum' in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Beyond the Jubilee, 2025 was marked by a papal transition. Pope Francis died in April after a prolonged illness and hospitalization, and cardinals elected Leo in May — making him the first pope from the United States in history.
Pope Leo XIV arrives to preside over the first Vespers and the 'Te Deum' in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The Vatican this week released statistics showing that some 3.2 million people participated in Vatican liturgies, papal audiences, Angelus prayers and Jubilee events over the year. Attendance was subdued in the early months amid Francis’ illness, then rose sharply following Leo’s election.
Looking Ahead
As the Jubilee formally concludes on Jan. 6, Leo’s appeal is both a thanksgiving for the year’s spiritual renewal and a call to sustain the compassion and hospitality shown during the pilgrimage season. His remarks emphasize the Church’s attention to the marginalized and the need for cities — especially Rome — to remain places of welcome and dignity.
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