Pope Francis Condemns Gossip Among Vatican Staff in Christmas Message

In his annual Christmas address to Vatican staff, Pope Francis issued a stern warning on Saturday against gossip and backstabbing within the Church's central bureaucracy. Speaking to priests, bishops, and cardinals in the Vatican Curia, the pontiff emphasized the need for humility, mutual respect, and introspection during the holiday season.

"A church community lives in joyful and fraternal harmony to the extent that its members walk in the life of humility, renouncing evil thinking and speaking ill of others," Francis said, adding, "Gossip is an evil that destroys social life, sickens people's hearts, and leads to nothing. The people say it very well: Gossip is zero." He urged those gathered to beware of the toxic habit, which he likened to a social disease.

Now 88 years old and sounding congested, Francis continued his tradition of using the Christmas address as an opportunity for self-reflection and accountability within the Church's leadership. Over the years, his speeches have served as both lessons in humility and moments of pointed critique.

In his infamous 2014 address, he listed the "15 ailments of the Curia," accusing Vatican officials of hypocrisy, power-grabbing, and a spiritual malaise he termed "spiritual Alzheimer’s." Last year, he warned of an "elegant demon" lurking among those who rigidly impose their faith.

This year, Francis returned to the theme of gossip, a recurring issue in closed environments like the Vatican. While he welcomes open and honest debate, Francis has consistently urged critics to address their concerns directly to him rather than engaging in behind-the-scenes whispering.

The pope also began his address with a reflection on the devastating war in Gaza. “Yesterday children have been bombed. This is cruelty, this is not war,” he said, lamenting the violence and destruction in the region.

The Christmas address kicked off Francis’s busy holiday schedule, which is particularly demanding this year as the Vatican prepares for the Holy Year Jubilee starting on Christmas Eve. The Jubilee, expected to draw 32 million pilgrims to Rome in 2025, adds a daunting layer of responsibility to the Vatican's already packed calendar of events.

Later on Saturday, Francis addressed lay employees of the Vatican, offering a less critical but equally important message. Speaking to staff and their families in the Vatican’s main audience hall, he expressed gratitude for their service and encouraged open communication about workplace issues.

“If you have any particular problems, tell your bosses. We want to resolve them,” Francis said. “You do this with dialogue, not by keeping quiet. Together, we’ll try to resolve the difficulties.”

His remarks appeared to address concerns raised by the Association of Vatican Lay Employees, a group akin to a labor union. In recent months, the association has voiced alarm about the Vatican pension system, fears of cost-cutting measures, and the need for leadership to address workers' grievances.

Earlier this year, 49 Vatican Museums employees filed a class-action lawsuit in the Vatican tribunal, citing poor working conditions, excessive overtime, and labor issues. Unlike in Italy, which has strong labor protections, Vatican employees often face limited legal recourse for workplace grievances.

Despite these challenges, Vatican employment remains highly sought after among Italian Catholics for its tax-free benefits and access to below-market housing.

Francis’s Christmas message underscored his commitment to fostering a more harmonious and transparent environment within the Vatican, urging all members of its workforce to embrace humility, dialogue, and mutual respect.