New Year

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Pope Francis' Angelus message on Jan. 1, 2023, marked the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. An estimated 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the event. The feast day coincides with the World Day of Peace.

Why are the solemnity of Mary and the World Day of Peace celebrated on the same day?

Jan 1, 2024

By Katie Yoder

Jan. 1 marks more than the start of a new year — it is also the solemnity of Mary, Mother... Read more

Pope Francis presides at the annual celebration of “first vespers,” or evening prayer, for the vigil of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Dec. 31, 2023.

Pope Francis: Faith allows Christians to live transition into the new year ‘differently’

Dec 31, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

Pope Francis rang in the new year and gave thanks for 2023 at a special New Year’s Eve Vatican liturgy. Read more

Pope Francis waves during his Sunday Angelus on Dec. 31, 2023.

Pope Francis says Benedict XVI ‘blesses us and accompanies us’ from heaven

Dec 31, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

In his final Angelus address of 2023, Pope Francis paid tribute to Pope Benedict XVI on the one-year anniversary of... Read more

Pope Francis says Mass for the Octave Day of Christmas, Jan. 1, 2015.

Ideas for your (Catholic) New Year's Resolutions

Dec 29, 2021

By Autumn Jones

Should you make a New Year’s resolution? If so, how can you involve your faith in the process? What can... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Jan. 1, 2020.

Pope Francis: Honor the dignity of women for a better world in 2020

Jan 1, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis began the new year with a call for the dignity of women to be honored -- not exploited... Read more

Pope Francis incenses the Nativity Scene in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24, 2017.

In the New Year, receive Mary's love and help, Francis says

Jan 1, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

When challenged, it is right to turn to Mary, Our Mother, for help, Pope Francis said on New Year’s Day,... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates New Year's Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God of Jan. 1, 2015.

Without the Church, Jesus 'is at the mercy of our imagination,' Pope says

Jan 1, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his homily on New Year’s Day, Pope Francis said that Jesus and his mother Mary are “inseparable,” just like... Read more