Pope Francis is set to inaugurate the Catholic Church’s Holy Year 2025 with a solemn ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. The 88-year-old pontiff will perform the symbolic act of opening the Holy Door, which is normally sealed from the inside, and pass through it, marking the start of the Jubilee Year.
The Holy Year, celebrated every 25 years by the Catholic Church, offers believers a special opportunity for prayer, penance, and forgiveness of sins. Pilgrims who journey to Rome and pass through the Holy Doors in the Eternal City can gain a plenary indulgence, a grace that removes all temporal punishment for sins if specific spiritual requirements are met.
This year’s Holy Year is expected to draw an estimated 30 to 45 million pilgrims and visitors to Rome, underscoring the global significance of the event. Following the opening ceremony, Pope Francis will celebrate the traditional Christmas Mass, signaling the beginning of the Vatican’s festive season.
The pontiff is anticipated to use the occasion to advocate for peace and condemn violence, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Recently, Pope Francis called for a Christmas truce, urging an end to the suffering caused by war.
In Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ, Christmas celebrations are expected to be subdued due to the Gaza conflict. While the midnight mass and the procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem will proceed as planned, festive decorations and the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Church of the Nativity have been canceled.
As millions prepare for this significant spiritual event, Pope Francis’ leadership during the Holy Year will likely emphasize themes of peace, unity, and compassion amidst global turmoil.