- Proposes cancellation of international debt for poorer countries
Pope Francis has highlighted the importance of forgiveness, debt relief, and global solidarity in achieving lasting peace. The Pontiff made this assertion in his 2025 World Day of Peace message entitled “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace.” Every January 1, the Pope addresses a message of good wishes and hope to Heads of State and Government, Heads of International Organisations, Leaders of different religions and expects them to convey his message to their countries’ citizenry, congregations and subjects. The Holy Pontiff began his message by underlining the significance of the Jubilee Year, a time for reflection, forgiveness, and renewal.

He emphasised that the celebration of the Jubilee should inspire individuals and nations to work towards a more just and equitable world. Pope Francis identified several key areas that require attention and action, including the debt crisis, environmental degradation, and the arms trade. He called for a global financial framework that prioritises solidarity and harmony between nations, rather than exploitation and profit. One of the Pope’s most significant proposals was the cancellation of international debt for poorer countries. He argued that this would not only alleviate economic hardship, but also promote global justice and solidarity. Pope Francis also reiterated his call for the abolition of the death penalty worldwide. He stressed that this penalty not only compromises the inviolability of human life, but also eliminates every human hope of forgiveness and rehabilitation.
The Holy Father further proposed the establishment of a global fund to eradicate hunger and promote sustainable development. He suggested that a fixed percentage of the money earmarked for armaments be redirected towards this fund. Throughout his message, Pope Francis emphasised the importance of forgiveness, debt relief, and global solidarity in achieving lasting peace. He encouraged individuals and nations to work together to create a more just and equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The Pope’s message concluded with a prayer for peace, in which he asked God to grant us the peace that only He can give. He stated that this peace is not just the absence of war, but a profound transformation of the human heart.
… Archbishop Martins advocates restorative justice
- Says but death does not give a chance to change
- Urges government to prioritise citizens’ welfare
By Neta Nwosu and Constaincia Uruakpa
Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos has advocated for restorative justice, spotlighting the need for punishment to serve as a pathway to change, rather than mere retribution. In a media interaction, preceding the Holy Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, on January 1, in commemoration of the World Day of Peace, the Archbishop argued that capital punishment, in particular, is inherently flawed, as it denies individuals the opportunity to reform and make amends for their actions. “Any other punishment may be able to give a person a chance to change, but death does not give a chance to change. It is final. It is definitive. Nobody can reverse it.” He emphasised that the value of human life, bestowed by God, must be respected and protected. “When you are able to say that, ‘even this person that has offended, we will punish for what he has done, but nevertheless, we will give him a chance to change,’ shows that you respect the fact that life is coming from God.”
rchbishop Martins also addressed the issue of corruption and accountability in government. He noted that the lack of transparency and accountability in governance has led to widespread disillusionment among citizens. “It’s as if you can make sacrifices, we can reap the benefits and use it for our own advantage and the advantage of those who are close to us.” He quoted St. Augustine, saying, “Hope has two daughters; anger and courage. Be angry at what is going wrong. Be angry and demand for a change, and then, have the courage to demand for that change so that things will turn around for good.” The Archbishop stressed the need for citizens to organise and demand change. “Yes indeed, we the Church may speak, individuals may speak, NGOs may speak, government as you said wields the cohesive arm, and therefore, it is capable of anything and almost everything.”
He concluded by highlighting the need for government to prioritise citizens’ welfare, citing the example of road closures in Lagos, which have caused significant hardship for commuters. “I spent over three hours from Ikoyi to Sangotedo, and it is not because of bad road, it is simply because of road closure. And when I had thought that road closures had ended with the military governments, but obviously, it is creating real bad situations for people; the Okada commercial rider’s source of livelihood is instantly disrupted. The keke napep man is simply caught on that spot, and the day is finished for him “The government needs to really think about the logistics of movement around the town. It’s almost like saying, stay in Abuja; don’t come to Lagos. That’s the way it’s beginning to sound. But of course, the president is of Lagos, so he has to come to Lagos. He has to just work out ways of ensuring that he doesn’t make life impossible for people during that period of time.”
The Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu in his welcome address at the media interaction for the 2025 World Day of Peace, focused on the importance of collective efforts in achieving sustainable peace. Fr. Godonu noted that this year’s papal message themed, “Forgive us our trespasses; grant us your peace,” is rooted in the Lord’s Prayer and centres on forgiveness among individuals and nations. He said, “According to the Pope, the path toward “a true and lasting peace” in the world is rooted in the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer and requires a desire for change on a personal, cultural, and structural levels “in order to confront the present state of injustice and inequality. “
It was Pope Paul VI who long time ago said that “there can be no peace in the world unless there is justice, and there cannot be justice without peace.” “This theme is even more appropriate and important to Nigeria’s prevailing political and economic situation. To say we are in dire need of peace built upon justice is to say the least. “It is in line with this that we have all gathered on this first day of the year 2025 to reflect together with our dear Archbishop.”