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: The liturgy is an experience of God’s unity

The pope continued his weekly lessons dedicated to the Second Vatican Council, focusing on the dogmatic constitution Lumen

Christian youths embark on a ‘spiritual revolution’ to restore Europe’s soul

“Rome ’25-the Way of St. James ’27-Jerusalem ’33” is the name of an initiative led by young people who, through pilgrimages, evangelization, and healing, aim to “restore the soul of Europe.”

Australian sister reflects on graces of jubilee pilgrimage

Traveling more than 10,000 miles to take part in this weekend’s Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities, Sister Therese Mills, MGL, spoke to CNA of her great joy as she joined tens of thousands of other pilgrims in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV at the general audience on April 1, 2026, Holy Wednesday, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Leo XIV reminds biblical scholars: Christ’s compassion toward all who suffer is ‘profound’

In a letter to the Pontifical Biblical Commission, which is meeting this week, Pope Leo XIV drew attention

Living Longer, Living Better: The Vatican’s Vision for Longevity and Health

At the Holy See Press Office, a press conference set the stage for a transformative dialogue on global health and longevity.

EWTN Hosts Conference to Honor Pope Benedict XVI: Reflecting on His Life, Teachings, and Legacy

EWTN recently broadcasted a special conference to honor the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's passing.

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com