Pope Francis Opens Holy Door in Rome, Launching Jubilee Year of Pilgrims
Pope Francis officially opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, marking the commencement of the Jubilee year that is expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome. Despite being recently affected by a cold, the 88-year-old pontiff was escorted in a wheelchair to the grand bronze door, where he knocked before entering as the Vatican bells tolled in celebration. Over the course of the next 12 months, Catholic pilgrims will pass through this door, which is usually sealed, allowing them to receive a plenary indulgence, a form of forgiveness for their sins. The ceremony witnessed the presence of numerous dignitaries, including cardinals and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to watch the event on large screens. 'It's my first time in Rome, and for me to be here at the Vatican, I feel already blessed,' shared Lisbeth Dembele, a 52-year-old French tourist. Following the opening of the Holy Door, Pope Francis was set to lead the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s and deliver his traditional Christmas Day blessing, Urbi et Orbi, to the city and the world. The Jubilee's theme, 'Pilgrims of Hope,' resonates with the Pope's ongoing call for peace in a world plagued by conflict, particularly in the Middle East. This past weekend, his comments criticizing the violence of Israeli strikes in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of children, prompted a backlash from Israel. In preparation for the busy Jubilee week, Pope Francis had to skip his usual Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square due to his cold, instead delivering it online from his Vatican residence. To ensure safety during the Jubilee celebrations, around 700 security personnel have been deployed around the Vatican and throughout Rome, particularly following a recent car-ramming incident at a Christmas market in Germany. To accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors, much of Rome has undergone a makeover, with notable monuments like the Trevi Fountain and Ponte Sant’Angelo being cleaned and street modifications made to enhance traffic flow. Some residents voiced concerns over how the already overcrowded city, burdened by unreliable public transport, will manage the additional millions of tourists expected next year. Key construction projects were completed shortly before the Jubilee, transforming parts of the city into busy sites of renovation. During the inauguration of a new road tunnel at Piazza Pia adjacent to the Vatican, Meloni remarked on the efforts that culminated in what she termed a 'little civil miracle' to have the works finished on time. In the coming days, Holy Doors will also be opened in Rome's three major basilicas and in Catholic churches worldwide. On Thursday, Pope Francis plans to open a Holy Door at Rebibbia prison in Rome, leading a mass to demonstrate support for inmates. Every 25 years, the Jubilee presents a period of introspection and penitence, featuring a variety of cultural and religious events, including masses, exhibitions, conferences, and concerts. While primarily aimed at the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, the Jubilee seeks to engage a broader public. This year, the Vatican initiated online registration for pilgrims and developed multilingual apps to assist attendees in navigating Jubilee events. Additionally, the upcoming Jubilee in 2025 will feature a mascot named 'Luce,' meaning 'Light' in Latin, inspired by Japanese anime. The events will welcome diverse groups from across the globe, including artists, young individuals, migrants, and prominent figures from various sectors. Notably, the Italian LGBTQ group La Tenda di Gionata has registered with the official site, reflecting the Pope's emphasis on inclusivity within the Church. While the regular Jubilees occur every 25 years, extraordinary Jubilees have also been arranged, with the most recent one in 2016; the next is scheduled for 2033 to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
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