Pope Francis Opens "Holy Door" to Launch Jubilee Year for Catholics

 

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis officially inaugurated the jubilee year of Catholic celebrations by opening the “Holy Door” of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, marking the beginning of a significant year of reflection and renewal for Catholics worldwide. The 88-year-old pontiff, despite battling a cold, was pushed in a wheelchair to the massive bronze door, where he knocked and opened it, symbolizing the start of the Jubilee Year. This event, watched by thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, set the stage for the next 12 months, during which more than 30 million pilgrims are expected to visit Rome.

The Holy Door, which is typically sealed, will be open throughout the year, offering a “plenary indulgence” to those who pass through, a form of spiritual forgiveness for sins in Catholic tradition. Following the opening, Pope Francis led the Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he poignantly reflected on the horrors of war. In his homily, he condemned the “cruelty” of violence, particularly the suffering of children caught in the conflict. This followed recent backlash from Israel over his comments on the Israeli strikes in Gaza.

As part of the Jubilee celebrations, significant security measures have been put in place, with 700 officers deployed across the Vatican and Rome. This heightened security comes after a car-ramming attack in Germany’s Christmas market earlier in the week. The city has also undergone extensive preparations, with major landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Ponte Sant'Angelo undergoing clean-ups to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Some residents have raised concerns about Rome's ability to handle the crowds, as the city has already struggled with overcrowding and unreliable public transport.

To ensure the city is ready for the millions of visitors, construction work has been underway for months, with new infrastructure projects, including a road tunnel at Piazza Pia, completed just in time for the Jubilee. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the completion of the projects as a “little civil miracle.”

Throughout the year, Holy Doors will be opened at major basilicas in Rome and Catholic churches globally. The Pope is set to visit Rebibbia prison in Rome to open another Holy Door and hold a special mass for inmates, demonstrating the Jubilee’s inclusive spirit. The event, which occurs every 25 years, aims to bring together Catholics for spiritual renewal, cultural events, and acts of penance.

The Jubilee 2025 will be a global event, attracting not just Catholics but also people from various walks of life. The theme for this year’s Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and its motto reflects the Pope’s desire for a more inclusive church that embraces all communities, as seen with the registration of LGBTQ group La Tenda di Gionata.

Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of spiritual renewal, especially for the world’s most vulnerable, as well as for the environment. He noted that the Jubilee is a time to reflect on “our mother Earth, disfigured by profiteering” and the struggles of “poorer countries burdened beneath unfair debts.”

The last Jubilee was held in 2016, and the next extraordinary Jubilee will occur in 2033 to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. For now, the focus is on 2025, where the Vatican will host a wide array of events, including masses, exhibitions, and performances, making the year an essential moment for reflection, prayer, and unity among Catholics worldwide.