By Ayomide Otitoju
Pope Francis officially opened the “Holy Door” of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, marking the start of the Jubilee Year, a significant Catholic celebration expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling a cold, arrived at the grand bronze door in a wheelchair. He knocked on the door, which is traditionally sealed with bricks, before it swung open as the basilica’s bells rang. The symbolic act allows Catholic pilgrims to pass through the Holy Door over the next year, receiving a “plenary indulgence,” a spiritual forgiveness of sins.
Jubilee Motto: “Pilgrims of Hope”
Pope Francis is set to use this Jubilee to advocate for peace, especially amid conflicts in the Middle East. During his Christmas Eve mass and his Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi blessing, he is expected to repeat his call for reconciliation and unity.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and members of the College of Cardinals, while thousands of onlookers watched from St. Peter’s Square.
“This is my first time in Rome, and being here at the Vatican feels like a blessing,” said Lisbeth Dembele, a French tourist in the square.
In the coming days, Holy Doors will also be opened in Rome’s major basilicas and churches worldwide. On Thursday, Pope Francis will open a Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia prison, underscoring his focus on inclusivity and support for marginalized communities.
Rome Prepares for Millions of Visitors
Rome has undergone extensive preparations for the Jubilee, with monuments such as the Trevi Fountain cleaned and key infrastructure projects completed, including a new road tunnel near the Vatican. Security has been heightened with 700 officers deployed, following a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Germany.
However, residents have expressed concerns about the city’s capacity to manage the influx of millions of visitors, citing ongoing issues with overcrowding and unreliable public transport.
Prime Minister Meloni, inaugurating the tunnel at Piazza Pia, lauded the swift completion of projects, calling it a “civil miracle.”
Inclusive Jubilee
This Jubilee embraces technological advancements, including online registrations and multilingual apps to help pilgrims navigate events. A mascot, “Luce” (Light), inspired by Japanese anime, has been introduced to resonate with younger audiences.
Groups from diverse backgrounds, including artists, sports figures, migrants, and youth, are scheduled to participate throughout 2025. Notably, Italian LGBTQ group La Tenda di Gionata is among the registered participants, reflecting Pope Francis’ message of inclusivity and openness.
Organized every 25 years, the Jubilee Year is a period of reflection and spiritual renewal for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. The next extraordinary Jubilee is planned for 2033 to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
As the Jubilee unfolds, Pope Francis’ call for unity, peace, and hope remains central to the year’s
