Pope’s New Year’s Day message calls for commitment to protect life

Pope Francis has ushered in 2025 with a renewed appeal for the faithful to reject abortion, calling for a ‘firm commitment’ to protect and respect life from conception to natural death. Picture: Andrew Medichini/AP

Pope Francis has ushered in 2025 with a renewed appeal for the faithful to reject abortion, calling for a “firm commitment” to protect and respect life from conception to natural death.

The 88-year-old celebrated a New Year’s Day Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday that was dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus.