Pope Leo Condemns Gap Between Rich and Poor in the World

(Patria) - Pope Leo XIV yesterday criticized the gap between the rich and poor in the world in front of a packed St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

During the last audience of this year, which his predecessor Pope Francis declared a Jubilee, Pope Leo said that the wealth of the Earth is in the hands of a very small number of people.

He warned that wealth is becoming unjustly concentrated in the hands of those who often do not want to hear the cries of the Earth or the poor.

He added that God intended all created goods for everyone so that all could enjoy them. At the same time, he called for hope to be preserved.

- The Jubilee is drawing to a close. But the hope that this year has given us does not disappear. We will remain pilgrims of hope - emphasized Pope Leo.

After Christmas Eve, the Jubilee Year enters its final phase. The Holy Doors at the main papal basilicas are being closed. First, on Christmas Day itself, the doors of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major will be closed.

During the Jubilee Year, which officially ends on January 6, 2026, believers can receive grace and forgiveness.

They were invited to prayer and pilgrimage to Rome, where by passing through the Holy Door, they could receive forgiveness for their sins.

The late Pope Francis marked the beginning of the Jubilee Year on Christmas 2024 by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica.

Immediately after the end of the Jubilee Year, Pope Leo plans to convene the first extraordinary consistory of his pontificate.

The meeting of the College of Cardinals of the Catholic Church is scheduled to be held on January 7 and 8, the Vatican announced.