Pope advocates debt forgiveness for poor nations
Jesus teaches us to ask for fo“rgiveness of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. To extend hope and forgiveness to others, we must first experience God’s mercy,” the Pope noted.
The Pope also offered three proposals to restore dignity, rebuild hope, and address the global debt crisis.
He reiterated an appeal first made by Saint John Paul II during the Jubilee Year 2000, advocating for the substantial reduction or outright cancellation of international debts that hinder the progress of many nations.
He urged affluent countries to forgive the debts of nations incapable of repayment and called for establishing a new financial framework rooted in global solidarity and harmony.
He said, “At the beginning of this Year of Grace, I would like to offer three proposals capable of restoring dignity to lives and enabling people to set out anew on the journey of hope.
“In this way, the debt crisis can be overcome, and all of us can once more realise that we are debtors whose debts have been forgiven.”
Pope Francis’ message aligns with the 2025 World Day of Peace theme, “Forgive Us Our Trespasses, Grant Us Your Peace,” and launches the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, anticipated to attract millions of pilgrims to Rome.