Pope Asks for Equality & Peace in New Year Address

Pope Francis' New Year address on Wednesday was all about humanity, peace and hope.

Francis declared in St Peter's Square that the 'heart of humanity' has apparently gone astray. A lot of people are indifferent to injustice, violence and war. He urged that the world should listen to the people who are suffering and to their "cry for peace." The New Year happens to be the same day when the World Day of Peace is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Francis, who seemed to have departed from for the text he prepared for, emphasised: "It's time to stop!"

Pope Francis continued that everyone should be committed to forming a society which is truly caring and just. Many of the spectators held blue balloons and peace banners aloft as Pope Francis expressed that fat-salaried jobs were proofs that the modern-day society was built on inequality and greed.

In December, prominent world leaders received a message from Pope Francis. He asked nations to reduce the difference between the poor and the rich. The poor are the ones who only manage to survive on "crumbs," he mentioned in the letter. The pope, on the other hand, prefers "beginning charity at home" first. He asked the Church to be more frugal and fair to set an example. He asked for a less pompous attitude and more understanding in getting more intimate to the unprivileged.

Pope Francis has already taken steps to "reform" the Church. He appointed an 8-member committee with cardinals from various parts of the world. The committee is going to advise the Pope on the restructuring the core administration at the Vatican. He also formed commissions that will advise him on how to deal with sexual scandals of the Church and various other sections of the finance.

Pope Francis emphasised that everyone shares a "common destiny" as everyone is a part of the "human family," being the child of "one heavenly father."