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

No pasta carbonara or hard liquor on cardinals’ conclave menu

Nutritionist Giorgio Calabrese, an Italian doctor who specializes in nutritional science, prepared the menu for the cardinal electors who have kicked off the conclave to elect the next pope.

Synod on Synodality 2024 Kicks Off

Synod on Synodality begins its final phase, focusing on deeper unity, mission, and discernment within the Catholic Church

Pope Francis and the Islamic world: A legacy of dialogue and fraternity

From the start of his 2013 papacy, Pope Francis worked to build bridges with the Islamic world, following Jesus’ example of reaching out to those different from himself.
Pope Leo passes the Nativity Scene in his Popemobile during Wednesday's General Audience. Credit: Vatican Media

Christmas Comes to Life in Vatican City

Christmas has arrived at the Vatican, transforming Vatican City into a place of light, beauty, and reflection as

Violence Against Women is Blasphemy Against God | Pope Francis and Ambassadors Call for Action

In a panel discussion organized by the British Embassy to the Holy See and the World Union of

From the altar to the track: Marathon-running cardinal highlights spirituality of sport

Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, the archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, said running is for him a “school of prayer.” On

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com