The pontiff ushered in 2025 by urging Catholics to reject abortion and calling for a "firm commitment" to protect and respect life "from conception to natural death."

Pope Francis ushered in 2025 with a New Year's Day Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, renewing his appeal for followers to reject abortion. Over the years, the Pope has become increasingly vocal on the issue, a shift from his earlier years in the papacy. His remarks recently stirred controversy during a visit to Belgium.

During his homily, the Pope prayed that everyone would learn to care for "every child born of a woman." He emphasized the importance of protecting "the precious gift of life," which encompasses life in the womb, the lives of children, the suffering, the poor, the elderly, the lonely, and the dying.

He made a call for a firm commitment to respect human life from conception to natural death, advocating for the value of each person's life and a hopeful outlook toward the future. His words reflected the church's longstanding opposition to abortion and assisted suicide.

Over time, Pope Francis has become more outspoken about his stance on abortion. Initially, early in his papacy, he voiced concerns that the church was too focused on "small-minded rules" regarding issues like abortion. However, he has since become more emphatic in his opposition. He often compares abortion to "hiring a hitman to solve a problem." During his visit to Belgium in September, he provoked further controversy by labeling the country’s abortion law as "murderous."

Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo responded by summoning the Vatican's ambassador, condemning the remarks as "unacceptable." Additionally, over 500 people requested to be debaptized in protest against the Pope's comments on women's rights and their societal roles during his visit.