Pope Francis is set to open the 2025 Holy Year, a significant celebration in the Catholic Church that is expected to attract around 32 million pilgrims to Rome. The Holy Year tradition, occurring once every 25 years, will commence with the Pope pushing open the great Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica during Christmas Eve Mass.
The theme of hope will be central to the 2025 Jubilee, with Pope Francis emphasizing this message by opening a Holy Door at Rome’s Rebibbia prison to inspire inmates towards a brighter future. Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican following recent events, with increased police presence and surveillance in Rome.
Pope Francis, aged 88, faces health concerns due to a cold but is expected to lead various events during the Holy Year, including the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a young internet prodigy, in April. The city of Rome has undergone extensive public works upgrades in preparation for the Jubilee, although some projects remain unfinished.
Despite challenges, Rome is ready to welcome pilgrims, with recent monument reopenings and the completion of key projects like a pedestrian piazza linking Castel St. Angelo to St. Peter’s Square. The tradition of Jubilees in Rome dates back centuries, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s landscape and spiritual heritage.
Pilgrims participating in the Jubilee can receive indulgences, symbolizing forgiveness of sins. Pope Francis previously declared a special Jubilee in 2015-2016 focused on mercy, with the next one scheduled for 2033 to mark the crucifixion anniversary. The last regular Jubilee in 2000 marked the church’s entry into the third millennium, while the 1975 Jubilee had a memorable incident involving Pope Paul VI and a falling plaster mishap.
