Pope: Examine your consciences honestly

During his final general audience for the year, Vatican News reported that for the pope, 2025 had been marked by events of contrasting significance.

- 

"Some of them joyful," he said, "such as the pilgrimage of so many of the faithful on the occasion of the Holy Year; others painful, such as the passing" of Pope Francis, and "the scenarios of war that continue to convulse the planet." Precisely for this reason, the pope urged believers to gather everything - joys and sufferings alike - before God, asking Him "to renew, in us and around us, in the coming days, the wonders of His grace and mercy." With this in mind, Vatican News reported that the pope reflected on the ancient tradition of the solemn Te Deum sung on the evening of Dec. 31.

"It is in this dynamic," Pope Leo explained, "that the tradition of the solemn singing of the Te Deum, with which we will thank the Lord this evening for the blessings we have received, finds its place." Quoting Pope Francis, he contrasted this prayerful gratitude with what he called a worldly attitude.