With a Holy Door, Pope Francis to launch Jubilee year
AFP/APP
Vatican City: Pope Francis will usher in the Jubilee 2025 with a special Christmas Eve ceremony, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration that will draw millions of Catholic pilgrims to Rome.
The event, set to start at 7:00 pm local time (1800 GMT), will see the 88-year-old pontiff open the iconic Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a symbolic act signaling the start of the Jubilee Year.
The ceremony will be attended by around 30,000 people, with millions more expected to watch via live broadcasts around the world.
During the Jubilee, which takes place once every 25 years, pilgrims will pass through the Holy Door to receive a “plenary indulgence” a form of forgiveness for sins, as part of the Catholic tradition of penance and reflection. The Holy Door, which is normally closed, will remain open throughout the year to accommodate the flow of pilgrims.
Pope Francis, who has recently been dealing with a cold, is also set to preside over the traditional Christmas Eve mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and deliver his annual “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing on Christmas Day, calling for peace, particularly in conflict zones such as the Middle East.
The pontiff’s recent comments on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, condemning the “cruelty” of the violence, have sparked controversy, including an angry response from Israel.
In preparation for the Jubilee, Vatican and Roman authorities have ramped up security, with 700 officers deployed to ensure safety amid heightened tensions following a recent car-ramming attack at a German Christmas market.
Authorities have also worked on enhancing the city’s infrastructure, including the completion of major renovation projects in Rome’s historic sites.
The Jubilee, while rooted in Catholic tradition, is expected to appeal to a broader audience, with an emphasis on inclusivity. New technologies like online registration and multilingual mobile apps will help pilgrims navigate the various events.
The Vatican’s choice of a Japanese anime-inspired mascot, named Luce (meaning Light in Latin), has drawn some criticism from traditionalists but is intended to engage younger generations.
In a move towards inclusivity, Pope Francis is also focusing on marginalized groups. Among those registered for the event is La Tenda di Gionata, an LGBTQ Catholic group, reflecting the pontiff’s call for the Church to be open to all.
The Jubilee 2025 is expected to feature a diverse range of participants, from artists to migrants, and will promote the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope.”
As Rome prepares for millions of visitors over the next year, residents have expressed concerns about the city’s ability to handle the influx, given the ongoing challenges with overcrowded sites and public transportation.
Despite these issues, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the successful completion of several infrastructure projects, including a new road tunnel near the Vatican, calling it a “little civil miracle” that helped meet the Jubilee’s tight deadlines.
Throughout 2025, Holy Doors will be opened in major basilicas around the world, including one at Rome’s Rebibbia prison, where Pope Francis will celebrate mass in solidarity with inmates.
