Pope Francis Urges Unity in the Church, Emphasizes Aid for the Poor Over Doctrine

Pope Francis, during the Epiphany Day Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, warned against ideological divisions within the Catholic Church and urged the faithful to focus on the poor rather than "ecclesiastical ideologies" or "elegant religious theory." This message comes in the context of some conservative resistance to his policies, including the recent permission for priests to bless same-sex relationships in a pastoral context, which has been met with pushback from some bishops. The Pope emphasized finding God in everyday life, particularly in the faces of the poor, continuing his papacy's focus on marginalized communities. Despite health issues, Francis participated actively in the ceremony, highlighting his ongoing commitment to his duties and the messages he champions.