Vatican City. Pope Francis affirmed that "evil's days are numbered, for the future belongs to God" during the homily of the Mass dedicated to the Word of God, celebrated at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee of Communicators.
"Evil's days are numbered, for the future belongs to God. Through the power of the Spirit, Jesus redeems us from all guilt and frees our hearts from every inner chain, bringing the Father's forgiveness to the world. This Gospel is a word of mercy, calling us to be passionate witnesses of peace, solidarity, and reconciliation," the pope declared.
The Sunday of the Word of God was instituted by Pope Francis in 2019 to emphasize the importance of the Holy Scriptures. During the celebration, attendees were given a copy of the Gospel of Luke.
"The Messiah opens the eyes of our hearts, often blinded by the allure of power and vanity—ailments of the soul that hinder us from recognizing God's presence and make the weak and the suffering invisible. This Gospel is a word of light, calling us to truth, faith, and a life of integrity," the pope added in his homily.
As part of the tradition, the pope conferred the ministry of Lector to 40 lay faithful—both men and women—from various nations, including four from Albania, three from Argentina, five from Austria, one from Bolivia, four from Brazil, five from the Philippines, one from Iceland, six from Italy, five from Mexico, one from Poland, and five from Slovenia. Each was presented with a copy of the Bible.
"Let us all commit ourselves to bringing the good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom to captives, giving sight to the blind, and declaring a year of grace from the Lord," the pope urged
