Pope Francis officially opened the “Holy Door” of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, marking the start of the Jubilee year, a major Catholic celebration expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome. The 88-year-old pontiff, recovering from a recent cold, was brought to the grand bronze door in a wheelchair. He knocked on the door before it opened, and he passed through as the basilica’s bells rang out.
During the next year, Catholic pilgrims will walk through the door, which is traditionally sealed, to receive a “plenary indulgence,” a full forgiveness of sins. The ceremony was attended by cardinals, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and thousands of onlookers gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where the event was broadcast on large screens.
“For me, it’s my first time in Rome, and being here at the Vatican already feels like a blessing,” said Lisbeth Dembele, a 52-year-old tourist from France visiting the square earlier.
Pope Francis was scheduled to lead the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and deliver his traditional Christmas Day blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and the world”), on Wednesday at midday.
A Year of Hope and Reflection
The Jubilee’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reflects Pope Francis’ ongoing calls for peace in a conflict-torn world, particularly in the Middle East. Recently, he faced criticism from Israel after condemning the “cruelty” of strikes in Gaza that killed children. The pope, who had to skip his usual Sunday Angelus prayer due to illness, delivered it online from his Vatican residence.
Preparations in Rome
To ensure security during the Jubilee, 700 officers have been deployed around the Vatican and the city, with heightened precautions following a recent car attack on a Christmas market in Germany. Rome has undergone extensive renovations, including cleaning key landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and redesigning roads to ease traffic flow. However, residents remain skeptical about the city’s ability to handle the influx of millions of visitors, given its already strained infrastructure.
Some key projects were only completed days before the Jubilee began. On Monday, Prime Minister Meloni inaugurated a new road tunnel near the Vatican, calling its completion a “little civil miracle.” Additional Holy Doors will soon open at Rome’s three other major basilicas and Catholic churches worldwide. On Thursday, Pope Francis will extend his outreach by opening a Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia prison and celebrating Mass for inmates.
Inclusivity and Innovation
The Jubilee, organized every 25 years, is a time for reflection and penance, featuring religious and cultural events like Masses, exhibitions, and concerts. While aimed at the 1.4 billion Catholics globally, it also seeks to engage a broader audience. This year’s Jubilee introduces modern touches, such as online registration and multilingual apps for pilgrims. A mascot named Luce (“Light” in Latin), inspired by Japanese anime, has also been unveiled.
Groups from around the world are expected in Rome throughout 2025, including artists, young people, and business leaders. One notable participant is the Italian LGBTQ group La Tenda di Gionata, reflecting Pope Francis’ call for an inclusive Church.
While regular Jubilees occur every 25 years, extraordinary Jubilees, like the one held in 2016, are occasionally declared. The next extraordinary Jubilee is planned for 2033 to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
