Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. On New Year, Pope Wishes the Faithful a 2020 of Peace Sabina Castelfranco ROME - Pope Francis wished for peace in the world at the start of the New Year. Thousands of people packed Saint Peter's Square to hear his word on World Peace Day. The pope also used strong words during a morning mass in the Vatican Basilica to decry violence against women and called for an end to the exploitation of the female body. Under a brilliant winter sun and blue sky, Pope Francis wished a huge crowd gathered in Saint Peter's Square a happy new year of peace. The pope said it is not expected that our planet has begun a new circle around the sun and that humanity continues to live in it but rather it is always a miracle that surprises and that one should be thankful for. .