Wed Jan 01 12:41:46 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Renews Anti-Abortion Plea on New Year’s Day
**Rome, January 1, 2025** – Pope Francis began the new year with a strong condemnation of abortion, calling for a firm commitment to protecting life from conception to natural death. Celebrating New Year’s Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope dedicated the service to Mary, mother of Jesus, and delivered a homily emphasizing the importance of caring for all life, from unborn children to the elderly and dying.
He reiterated his stance against abortion, describing the procedure as “hiring a hitman to solve a problem,” a phrase he’s used increasingly in recent years. His recent criticism of Belgium’s abortion law as “homicidal” and his announcement of the beatification process for King Baudouin, who temporarily abdicated to avoid approving abortion legislation, have sparked controversy.
The Mass marked the culmination of a busy Christmas season for the 88-year-old Pope, who is dealing with ongoing respiratory issues. This year’s celebrations were particularly demanding due to the start of the Vatican’s Holy Year, a major event expected to draw 32 million pilgrims to Rome in 2025. Addressing the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis also renewed his call for wealthy nations to forgive or reduce the debts of poorer countries, urging Christian leaders to set an example by taking the initiative.
First Piper 