Pope Francis Condemns "Fake News" and Global Conflicts, Urges "Diplomacy of Hope" in 2025 Jubilee Year Address
ROME – In a sweeping address to diplomats on January 9, Pope Francis decried the pervasive spread of "fake news," linking it to a climate of hate and citing alleged assassination attempts against Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico and US President-elect Donald Trump as examples of its dangerous consequences. The Pope lamented the distortion of reality fostered by fake news, arguing that it fuels suspicion, undermines security, and jeopardizes social stability. His condemnation of this phenomenon underscored his concern for the erosion of truth and reasoned discourse in the digital age.
The Pope’s address coincided with the commencement of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, a period intended for reflection and renewal. However, he acknowledged the somber backdrop of ongoing wars, terrorist attacks in cities like Magdeburg and New Orleans, and escalating global tensions against which this jubilee year begins. He emphasized the crucial role of diplomacy in nurturing peace and dialogue, outlining his vision for a “diplomacy of hope” focused on the common good and prioritizing the needs of the poor and oppressed.
Francis expressed deep concern about societal trends that prioritize material wealth over human life, symbolized by his observation that society “prefers pets to children.” He warned against the manipulation of public opinion through modern communication technologies and artificial intelligence, which he said can be exploited for economic, political, and ideological gain. The Pope’s address also highlighted the double-edged sword of scientific progress, acknowledging its benefits while cautioning against its potential to exacerbate polarization, anxiety, and a simplified view of reality, particularly through social media and online gaming. He stressed the vital importance of media literacy education to cultivate critical thinking skills.
The Pope’s call for multilateralism was coupled with a strong condemnation of attempts to manipulate international agreements and treaties for ideological purposes. He criticized the practice of reinterpreting human rights treaties to promote divisive agendas, labeling it a form of “ideological colonization” that undermines the traditions and beliefs of people. This, he argued, disproportionately affects the vulnerable, including the unborn and the elderly, citing the “alleged ‘right to abortion’” as an example of such manipulation. He reaffirmed the Church’s stance on the sanctity of life from conception to natural death.
While acknowledging the limitations of international institutions, which he described as fragmenting into “like-minded clubs,” Francis commended certain diplomatic achievements, such as the resumption of negotiations regarding the Iran nuclear deal. He called for a “diplomacy of forgiveness” to heal wounds caused by hatred and violence, and expressed hope for progress in resolving conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza during the jubilee year. The Pope advocated for the return of Israeli hostages, a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and relief for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which he described as “shameful.”
Francis reiterated his condemnation of the arms trade, labeling war a failure for all involved. He criticized the international community for failing to uphold international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and infrastructure during conflict. He urged active steps to ensure that human rights are not sacrificed to military expediency. The Pope also addressed various regional conflicts and social unrest, advocating for peace and religious freedom, and condemning anti-Semitism and the persecution of Christians. He also called for an end to slave labor, human trafficking, and the promotion of dignified working conditions. He urged a "diplomacy of freedom" focused on combating human trafficking and supporting vulnerable migrants, and a "diplomacy of justice" advocating for debt forgiveness and the abolition of the death penalty. Finally, he urged greater efforts to address the climate crisis and called on wealthy nations to forgive the debts of poorer countries to enable their social development. He closed with a hopeful message for the jubilee year, praying that 2025 would be a year marked by truth, forgiveness, freedom, justice, and peace.