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’s Recovery Progresses As Vatican Appoints New Librarian, Polish President Visits

Pope Francis is gradually recovering from bilateral pneumonia at Casa Santa Marta, while Cardinal Parolin met with Polish President Duda on Friday.

Pope Leo XIV warns against banality and ‘fake news’ 

In a message to an Italian public television show on its 30th anniversary, Pope Leo XIV pointed out

An athletic pope: Pope Leo XIV worked out regularly at this gym

In this central Roman neighborhood, just steps from St. Peter’s Square, the Pope frequented the Omega Fitness Club, which since May 8 — when he was elected pope — has become the most famous gym in Rome.

Vatican court orders partial retrial in ‘trial of the century’ finance case

Judges cite procedural flaws tied to papal decrees, requiring renewed proceedings while leaving prior convictions formally intact. The

Pope Leo XIV urges theologians to defend creation and human dignity in the age of AI

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday urged Catholic theologians to embrace a “theology of wisdom” capable of addressing urgent global challenges, from environmental crises to the ethical questions posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, answers questions from journalists during a conference at the Vatican Apostolic Library on March 26, 2026. | Credit: Ishmael Adibuah/EWTN News

Cardinal Parolin says nations should work together to face the threats of AI

The Vatican secretary of state expressed his concerns about artificial intelligence at a conference at the Italian Parliament

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com