In today’s homily, Pope Leo XIV welcomes the New Year by reminding Christians (and the rest of us) to welcome everybody:
As I emphasized in the Message for this World Day of Peace, God presents himself to us “unarmed and disarming,” as naked and defenseless as a newborn in a cradle. He does this to teach us that the world is not saved by sharpening swords, nor by judging, oppressing or eliminating our brothers and sisters. Rather, it is saved by tirelessly striving to understand, forgive, liberate and welcome everyone, without calculation and without fear [Pope Leo XIV, homily for the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, St. Peter’s Basilica, 2026.01.01].
Understand. Forgive. Liberate. Welcome. If only America’s Christian nationalists would include those verbs in their New Year’s devotions, resolutions, and policy initiatives.
Pope Bob has it correct even if the right winger Catholics don’t agree.