Hope kindness makes the world more beautiful

Jan 10, 2025

VATICAN: Pope Francis made an unexpected appearance on the BBC’s Thought for the Day segment, where he called on all people to become “pilgrims of hope.” Speaking as part of Radio 4’s flagship Today programme, the pontiff addressed themes of hope, kindness, and the significance of the forthcoming 2025 Jubilee Year.

The Today programme, broadcast six days a week, includes the three-minute Thought for the Day segment, offering reflections from religious leaders and commentators across various faiths. Pope Francis’ participation marked a rare moment, as Catholic voices are infrequent on the platform. The 88-yearold pontiff delivered his message in Italian, with an English translation broadcast to millions of listeners.

“I have been asked to speak to you of hope and kindness, for this I thank you,” Pope Francis began. He emphasised the transformative power of these virtues, stating, “Hope and kindness touch the very heart of the Gospel and show us the path to follow in our behaviour. A world full of hope and kindness is a more beautiful world; a society that looks to the future with confidence and treats people with respect and empathy is more humane.”

Pope Francis used the opportunity to reflect on the 2025 Jubilee Year, which began on December 24 with the opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica. This symbolic act invites the faithful into a year-long journey of grace, renewal, and pilgrimage. “As you know, the Jubilee year began on December 24; it is a period in which we are all called to become pilgrims of hope,” he said. Acknowledging the challenges of today’s world, he added, “Even though we do not know what tomorrow may hold for us, we should not look to the future with pessimism and resignation. Wars, social injustices, and the many forms of violence we are exposed to every day should not dishearten us nor draw us to scepticism and discouragement.”

The pontiff emphasised that love and kindness remain the antidotes to despair. “We choose love, and love makes our hearts fervent and hopeful. Those who love, even if they find themselves in uncertain situations, always view the world with a gentle gaze of hope.”

In his address, Pope Francis explored the essence of kindness, distinguishing it from superficial or strategic actions. “Kindness is not a diplomatic strategy, neither is it a set of rules to ensure social harmony or to obtain other advantages,” he explained. “Kindness is a form of love that opens hearts to acceptance and helps us all to become more humble.”

The Holy Father highlighted the role of humility in fostering dialogue and overcoming divisions. “Humility lends itself to dialogue, helps to overcome misunderstandings, and generates gratitude,” he said. Drawing inspiration from British writer G.K. Chesterton, whom he described as “held in high esteem” by Argentine poet Jorge Luis Borges, Pope Francis urged listeners to approach life with gratitude. “At the end of his autobiography, Chesterton wisely invites us to take the elements of life with gratitude and not for granted.”

Pope Francis concluded his message with a wish for hope, faith, and charity—virtues that underpin the Jubilee Year. “I hope that during this Jubilee, we can practise kindness as a form of love to connect with others. May the New Year bring us peace, fellowship, and gratitude,” he said, ending his address with the Italian word “Grazie” (thank you).

Pope Francis’ involvement in Thought for the Day was facilitated by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, who served as the guest editor for the Dec 28 edition of the Today programme. A practicing Catholic, Professor Tracey has previously spoken about the importance of faith in her life and used her guest editorship to spotlight significant issues, including the debate on assisted suicide.

This was not Pope Francis’ first appearance on Thought for the Day. He previously contributed in 2021 ahead of the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, was the first pontiff to feature on the programme, delivering a Christmas Eve message in 2010.

As the Jubilee of Hope unfolds, Pope Francis’ words resonate deeply, calling on people of all faiths to embrace hope, practise kindness, and build a more humane world. His message, broadcast to millions, serves as a powerful reminder of the Gospel’s enduring relevance in a world seeking peace and renewal. --Agencies