Sick Pope Francis has important speech read out

Pope Francis did not deliver one of his most important speeches of the year himself. He cut short his traditional New Year's address to the diplomatic corps after about a minute on Thursday, explaining that he was still suffering from a cold, which is why he had asked a member of his staff to read it out. The approximately 45-minute remarks on the topic of "Diplomacy of Hope" were delivered by the Undersecretary of the Dicastery for the Oriental Churches, Filippo Ciampanelli.

In detail, Francis called for a commitment to peace, environmental and climate protection, social justice and human rights. He called for the money spent on weapons and other military expenditure to be used to establish a world fund to end hunger. The Pope also spoke out against the death penalty and in favour of an end to the war, particularly in Ukraine. With regard to the Middle East war, he once again called for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and aid for the Palestinian population.

Once again, the Pope encouraged the wealthy countries to cancel the debt of the Global South, also in view of the "ecological debt" of the richer states. He also criticised the growing danger of fake news and the distortion of the truth. In view of the increasing spread of artificial intelligence (AI), which increases concerns about intellectual property rights, job security and respect for privacy, reliable rules are needed.

Thanksgiving in the Holy Year

With a view to the Catholic Jubilee Year in Rome, which has already begun, he thanked Italy's authorities, security forces, civil defence and volunteers for their commitment. He thanked the Romans for their hospitality and patience over the past few months. More than 30 million visitors are expected in the Eternal City for the pilgrimage event.

The New Year's address to the diplomats accredited to the Holy See is regarded as the Pope's annual keynote speech on foreign policy. The Holy See currently maintains full diplomatic relations with 184 states as well as with the EU and other international organisations; 90 states have their own Vatican embassies in Rome. (KNA)