Pope Francis Launches Holy Jubilee Year On Christmas Eve

Pope Francis Launches Jubilee 2025 with Holy Door Ceremony

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, Pope Francis presided over a solemn mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, marking the official launch of Jubilee 2025. This sacred year, steeped in Catholic tradition, is expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome for spiritual renewal and forgiveness of sins through a “plenary indulgence.”

The ceremony began with the 88-year-old pontiff, despite battling a recent cold, being wheeled to the iconic “Holy Door” of the basilica. In a symbolic act, he knocked on the massive bronze door before it was opened, signaling the start of the Jubilee year. Thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square watched the event on large screens as church bells echoed across the Vatican.

A Year of Pilgrimage and Penance

Throughout 2025, Catholic pilgrims will walk through the Holy Door, traditionally bricked up between Jubilees, to seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal. Pope Francis used the Christmas Eve mass to address pressing global issues, emphasizing the plight of war victims. His poignant homily called attention to the suffering caused by violence, particularly to children affected by conflicts.

On Christmas Day, the pope will deliver his traditional blessing, Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world), continuing the spirit of hope and renewal that defines the Jubilee.

Rome Prepares for Millions

The Jubilee celebrations have prompted a significant facelift for the Eternal City. Iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and Ponte Sant’Angelo have undergone restoration, and new infrastructure, such as the road tunnel at Piazza Pia near the Vatican, has been completed. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed these efforts as a “civil miracle.”

Rome, however, faces logistical challenges with millions of additional visitors expected. Key Jubilee projects were only recently finished, turning parts of the city into construction zones. Security has also been heightened, with 700 officers deployed around the Vatican and Rome following recent global incidents.

Holy Doors Open Worldwide

As part of the Jubilee tradition, Holy Doors in Rome’s other major basilicas and Catholic churches globally will be opened over the coming days. Notably, Pope Francis will open a Holy Door at Rebibbia prison, symbolizing the Church’s outreach to the marginalized.

A Tradition of Renewal

Organized every 25 years, the Jubilee is a time for reflection, penance, and celebration, featuring masses, exhibitions, and concerts. This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reflects the pope’s inclusive vision, encouraging participation from all walks of life, including traditionally marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community.

Innovative features of Jubilee 2025 include online registrations and multilingual apps to assist pilgrims. Additionally, the event’s mascot, Luce (Latin for Light), inspired by Japanese anime, represents the universal message of hope and renewal.

Pope Francis emphasized the need for spiritual renewal not only for individuals but also for the planet. His homily highlighted the environmental crisis and the burden of unfair debts on poorer nations, calling for collective reflection and action.

Looking Ahead

The Jubilee, while rooted in Catholic tradition, aims to inspire global unity. Groups from diverse backgrounds, including youth, business leaders, and migrants, are expected to gather in Rome. Following Jubilee 2025, the next extraordinary Jubilee is scheduled for 2033, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.