Pope Francis appears on BBC Today programme's Thought For The Day religious slot to call for 'peace, fellowship and gratitude' in New Year

The Pope has called for peace, fellowship and gratitude in an appearance on the BBC's Thought For The Day segment. In a pre-recorded message which was played during the show's religious slot, Pope Franics also urged people across the globe to practice 'hope and kindness' heading into the new year. Pope Francis leads the traditional Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day blessing from the central balcony of Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican City, 25 December 2024 In a pre-recorded message on the BBC's Thought for the Day, which was played during the show's religious slot, Pope Franics urged people across the globe to practice 'hope and kindness' Hope was a central tenet of Francis' message, with his Holiness saying: 'Even though we do not know what tomorrow may hold for us, we should not look to the future with pessimism and resignation. Pope Francis is just the second leader of the Catholic Church to appear on the BBC's Thought for the Day segment The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis during the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Christmas celebrations, at St Peter's Square He is only the second Pope to appear on the segment after his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI delivered a Christmas Eve message in 2010. The appearance comes just days after Pope Francis used his traditional Christmas message to urge 'all people of all nations' to find courage during this Holy Year 'to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions'.