Pope ode to motherhood ushers in 2019 after disastrous 2018

Pope Francis has ushered in the New Year with an ode to motherhood, reminding the faithful that a mother's example and embrace is the only antidote to today's disjointed world of solitude and misery.

Francis celebrated Mass Tuesday in St. Peter's Basilica to formally open 2019. In his homily Francis urged Catholics to allow themselves to be led again as children are led by their mothers.

He said: "We need to learn from mothers that heroism is shown in self-giving, strength in compassion, wisdom in meekness."