Advent 2025

As Advent begins in a world still troubled by war in Ukraine and the Middle East, many struggle to hold on to hope. Pope Leo XIV sought to address this reality by opening the season with a visit to Turkey and Lebanon, regions deeply marked by conflict yet vital for fostering peace. Though the Vatican originally planned for Pope Francis to visit Turkey earlier in the year to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, his death delayed the trip. Pope Leo’s Advent visit, however, allowed him to speak directly to the need for hope, unity, and renewed commitment to peace.

Preaching on the first Sunday of Advent in Istanbul, the pope reflected on Isaiah 2:1–5, a passage that invites all peoples to ascend the mountain of the Lord to learn God’s ways of peace. He described Zion as a symbol of a community reborn in fidelity, whose example draws others to goodness, just as the saints did through joy and witness rather than miracles. Pope Leo called Christians to “keep watch” through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of charity, casting off darkness and putting on “the armor of light.”

He then turned to Isaiah’s vision of peace, reminding listeners that unity must be built and maintained. Using Istanbul’s three Bosphorus bridges as symbols, he encouraged unity first within the Catholic Church’s diverse rites, then among all Christians echoing the prayer “that they may all be one.” Finally, he urged solidarity with people of all religions, rejecting the misuse of faith to justify violence and affirming that those who do not love do not know God.

The pope concluded by inviting everyone to make reconciliation, understanding, and peace their Advent resolutions. In a time of global tension, he said, fidelity to God’s call to love each other is the true path to hope and lasting unity.

For more, click on the link: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2025/documents/20251129-messa-istanbul.html