Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt message of hope and kindness during the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, which aired as part of the celebrations for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year. Recorded and broadcast on Saturday, the Pope's message emphasized the importance of these virtues as we enter the New Year.
His address, which was delivered to listeners around the UK, stated, "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." These sentiments were particularly poignant, occurring just as the Church commenced its Holy Year jubilee, a significant event observed every 25 years, prompting many faithful to pilgrimage to Rome.
Pope Francis was invited to share his message by Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, who served as the guest editor for this edition of the Today programme. Professor Tracey focused her guest editing around the themes of hope and kindness, which she connects with her research on pain management and the societal role of universities.
Reflecting on how society should approach the future, the Pope remarked, "A society which looks to the future with confidence and treats people with respect and empathy is more humane." Through this lens, he encouraged listeners to maintain optimism and reject feelings of despair, even amid global challenges. "Even though we do not know what tomorrow may hold for us, we should not look to the future with pessimism and resignation," he stated.
Touching on global issues, the Pope said, "Wars, social injustices, and the many forms of violence we are exposed to every day should not dishearten us nor draw us toward scepticism and discouragement." His observation serves as both reassurance and motivation for individuals who may feel overwhelmed by the news of the world.
Exploring the concept of kindness, Pope Francis offered insights about the role of kindness in our interactions, distinguishing it from mere politeness. He stated, "Kindness is not a diplomatic strategy but instead is a form of love..." By framing kindness as integral to human connection, he urged everyone to adopt it as part of their daily lives. This perspective, he explained, can help open hearts and cultivate humility among individuals.
Quoting British author G.K. Chesterton, Pope Francis advised, "Take the elements of life with gratitude and not for granted." This acknowledgment of gratitude permeates his message, encouraging listeners to appreciate the moments of joy and kindness they experience.
He concluded his address with warm wishes for the New Year, articulately stating, "May the New Year bring us peace, fellowship, and gratitude." This hopeful wish encapsulates the spirit of his message, urging individuals to reflect on their connections with each other and the world.
It is worth noting this is not the first time Pope Francis has taken part in the Thought for the Day segment. His previous appearance came in October 2021, where he addressed climate change and called for urgency during the lead-up to the COP26 climate summit. This makes him the second Pope to appear on the BBC Radio 4 segment, following his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, who participated back on Christmas Eve 2010.
Thought for the Day is known for featuring insights from diverse faiths and perspectives; it airs on the Today programme at 7.45 am, six days each week. Pope Francis's recurring participation highlights the continued relevance of these discussions around kindness, hope, and the shared responsibilities of society.
Through his recorded message, Pope Francis continues to inspire individuals to cultivate hope and kindness, making them integral values as we usher in the New Year and the Jubilee's promise of renewal and reflection.
