Pope Leo XIV closes 2025 Holy Year with critique of consumerism and xenophobia
NBC News••general
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV officially closed the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year, condemning consumerism and anti-foreigner attitudes, after a Jubilee that attracted around 33 million pilgrims to Rome and marked the transition to the first American pope.
- The Jubilee began under Pope Francis in December 2024, continued through his funeral and conclave, and was uniquely closed by his successor, Pope Leo XIV, a rare occurrence last seen in 1700.
- In his closing homily, Pope Leo emphasized themes of welcoming strangers, resisting exploitation, promoting fairness, and replacing war with peace, reflecting on the Jubilee’s call for reflection on Biblical teachings.
- The Vatican reported approximately 33.5 million pilgrims participated, though figures may include
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