The 2800-word text says that a “year of forgiveness and freedom” was declared every half-century by ancient Jewish communities to “restore God’s justice” in relationships, and to remind rich and poor that “the goods of the earth are meant not for a privileged few” and that “no one comes into this world doomed to oppression.”

Pope Francis said the story of Jesus' birth as a poor carpenter's son should instil hope that all people can make an impact on the world, as the pontiff on Tuesday led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas.