Pope Francis has said cancelling debts of countries unable to repay them is "a matter of justice".
The call comes in a message outlining the Pope's vision for the Catholic Church's Jubilee year in 2025.
The Pope also called in the document – titled 'Spes non confundit', or 'Hope does not disappoint' – for an end to arms sales and renewed action to tackle poverty and hunger.
The document, known as a 'Bull of Indiction', has been published ahead of the Jubilee year, which will run from Christmas Eve 2024 until early 2026 and which is themed 'Pilgrims of Hope'.
If we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, let us commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts, and feeding the hungry
Low-income countries are in the midst of the worst debt crisis in history.
Your questions about the 2025 Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope answered.
