Bold truth: Advent isn’t about racing to finish your to‑do list; it’s a sacred window to ready your heart for Christ. That’s the core message Pope Leo XIV shared during the Wednesday General Audience, as St. Peter’s Square glowed with the Vatican Christmas tree and Nativity Scene. He spoke to pilgrims from many languages, urging us to use this season for preparation, prayer, and quiet reflection so we can welcome Jesus at Christmas.
By Isabella H. de Carvalho
As the Vatican’s Christmas tableau graced St. Peter’s Square, the pope reminded the faithful that Advent is a time to prepare for Christ’s birth. He conveyed this through his multilingual greetings on December 17, underscoring that the season invites us into a deeper spiritual readiness.
To English-speaking faithful, Pope Leo prayed that every person and family may experience a blessed Advent as they anticipate the newborn Jesus, Son of God and Savior of the world.
About nativity scenes, he reflected to Italian listeners that Christmas is near and home Nativity displays—vivid symbols of Christ’s mystery—are either being completed or already in place. The Vatican had unveiled its own Nativity in St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Audience Hall on December 15, reinforcing that this emblem is not only a sign of faith but also a cornerstone of Christian culture and art. He hoped such imagery remains a lifelong reminder of Jesus, who chose to dwell among us by becoming man.
A warning against frenetic hurry
With Christmas looming, he cautioned against letting busy preparations erode the depth of the celebration, addressing French-speaking faithful. He urged us to slow down, keep our hearts vigilant, and await Jesus with care so His loving presence becomes a lasting treasure in our lives.
In his remarks to German pilgrims, the pope emphasized Advent as a period to welcome Jesus without reservation. He called Jesus our hope and invited everyone to joyfully anticipate the birth feast, praying together, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
A time for prayer and contemplation
Speaking to Polish listeners, he encouraged reflection and prayer in the Advent's final days, inviting personal renewal through the Sacrament of Confession or spiritual retreats. For Portuguese-speaking communities, he highlighted the Christmas Novena, noting its rich traditions in many regions and suggesting it can renew hearts in preparation for the Son of God. He trusted Our Lady of Hope to guide and protect families along this spiritual path.
To Arabic-speaking pilgrims, the pope reiterated that Christians are called to open their hearts to God’s love and to neighbor, so that true peace and joy may fill life.
Upcoming schedules
There will be no General Audience on Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve). A Jubilee Audience is planned for Saturday, December 20, and the next General Audience will take place on December 31, New Year’s Eve — the same day the last such gathering occurred fifty years ago, in 1975 under Pope St. Paul VI.
Thank you for reading. To stay informed with daily updates, subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/newsletter-registration.html
Would you like this rewrite to emphasize a particular audience (e.g., English speakers, Italian readers) or adjust the balance between spiritual guidance and cultural observations?
