New Year's Eve

The Latest

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

Pope Francis on New Year’s Eve: Jesus Christ gives meaning to our lives in joy and sorrow

Dec 31, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis said to trust in Jesus Christ who "brings time to its fullness." Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2017. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis: At the end of a year of pandemic, 'we praise you, God'

Dec 31, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis explained Thursday why the Catholic Church gives thanks to God at the close of a calendar year, even... Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass on Jan. 1, 2020 in St. Peter's Basilica. Credit: Vatican Media.

'Painful sciatica' prevents Pope Francis from attending Vatican's New Year's liturgies

Dec 31, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Because of sciatic pain, Pope Francis will not preside at the Vatican's liturgies on New Year's Eve and New Year's... Read more

Pope Francis gives his Angelus address Jan. 1, 2020.

Pope Francis apologizes for losing patience with woman who grabbed him

Jan 1, 2020

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis apologized Wednesday for losing his patience with a woman who grabbed his arm in St. Peter’s Square on... Read more

Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2017.

On New Year's Eve, Pope Francis calls listening an act of love

Dec 31, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

It is an act of love to spend time with others, to listen to them and their needs, and to... Read more

Pope Francis venerates the Child Jesus during Vespers Dec. 31, 2017.

Pope: Remember the poor and homeless this New Year's

Dec 31, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

As the year ends, remember the many men and women who are living in inhumane conditions or who are suffering... Read more

Pope Francis presides over Vespers and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2015.

At close of 2016, Pope says selfishness should be a thing of the past

Dec 31, 2016

By Elise Harris

During a prayer service for the close of 2016, Pope Francis said the arrival of a new year should serve... Read more

Pope Francis presides over Vespers and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 31, 2015.

Look for the presence of God in your life, Pope says on New Year's

Dec 31, 2015

By Elise Harris

As this year comes to an end, Pope Francis has encouraged faithful to look back at the events of 2015,... Read more

Pope Francis at Dec. 31 Vespers in St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope: This New Year's, embrace gratitude, reject slavery of sin

Dec 31, 2014

By Ann Schneible

At the year's end, Pope Francis reflected on Christ’s saving presence within time, cautioning against nostalgia for the slavery of... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wednesday general audience on October 2, 2013.

Pope: 'Quality of life in Rome depends on all of us'

Dec 31, 2013

In his homily during evening prayer on New Year’s Eve, Pope Francis focused on the theme of time well spent,... Read more