Pope stresses strength, courage, hope in new year

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is offering “words of strength, courage and hope” as the world begins a new year.

That was his emphasis in a homily during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning.

The Catholic church dedicates Jan. 1 to the promotion of word peace. Francis said there was `'hunger and thirst for justice, peace and God” in the world.

In his first year as pope, Francis has charted a path for what he calls a `'poor” church attentive to the needy and a `'joyous” one reaching out to others.

The Argentine-born pontiff urged Catholics worldwide to follow an `'itinerary of faith” that promotes a joyous Gospel `'without borders.”