Skip to content

Pope Francis offers 5 commitments on the road to Christmas

Pope Francis proposed to the faithful 5 concrete commitments to live with intensity the remaining days of Advent 2022, and to prepare the heart for the birth of the Child Jesus through simple actions.

At the Angelus on December 12, 2021, and before the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pontiff asked the question: “What can I do concretely?

In the same vein, he called to ask himself: “These days, as we approach Christmas, how can I do my part?

In response, he encouraged us to make “a concrete commitment, even a small one, that fits our life situation” and carry it forward to prepare ourselves for this Christmas.

Along these lines, he listed 5 commitments that the faithful can make to live with faith and hope this time of joy for the arrival of the Child Jesus:

1. Calling a lonely person on the phone.

2. Visiting an elderly or sick person.

3. Do something to serve a poor person, a person in need.

4. To ask for forgiveness, to forgive, to clear up any conflict or to settle a debt.

5. To take up prayer again and approach the Lord’s forgiveness.

“Brothers and sisters, let us look for something concrete and do it! May the Virgin, in whose womb God became flesh, help us”, he prayed.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

I agree that EWTN will keep me informed about news, faith stories and how to best support their work. You will never receive e-mails from us that you do not want to receive. You can unsubscribe any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

More news related to this article

Pope Leo XIV greets crowds under a glaring sun during the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square on May 27, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV to share lunch with 200 people in need at Castel Gandolfo

The gathering will take place during the pope’s July stay at the papal villa and will include prayer,

‘This Is Life-Changing’: Missionaries Of Mercy Gather In Rome For Jubilee Of Hope

Around 500 priests instituted as Missionaries of Mercy gathered in Rome March 28–30 to take part in events for a special jubilee dedicated to their role, part of the wider 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
Images from the presentation of the Pope's new Encyclical. Credit: Vatican Media.

Forming Minds in a Digital Age: Pope Leo XIV on AI, Education, and Human Formation

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms society, Pope Leo XIV is urging educators, students, and policymakers to ask a

Pope Leo XIV: ‘One in Christ’ is key to the Church’s mission

In his message for World Mission Day, the pope says missionary renewal depends on spiritual communion and reconciliation

Cardinal Sarah to represent Pope Leo XIV at celebrations of apparitions of St. Anne

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Robert Sarah as his special envoy for the celebrations taking place in France commemorating the 400th anniversary of the apparitions of St. Anne to the Breton peasant Yvon Nicolazic.

Catholic Shark Tank

On October 14th, aspiring businesses and NGOs gathered in a boardroom at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, presenting their ideas to investors in a unique setting.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com