Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year with his traditional Christmas message, calling upon "all people of all nations" to find courage during this significant celebration. The year, expected to attract around 32 million Catholic faithful to Rome, commenced with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 25, 2024.
The act of traversing the Holy Door is more than just symbolic; it serves as one of the means for pilgrims to obtain indulgences, or forgiveness for sins, during what is referred to as the Jubilee. The Jubilee, historically observed every 25 to 50 years, was first established by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. It is seen as both a moment of renewal and reflection for the Catholic community worldwide.
On Christmas Eve, prior to the opening on Christmas Day, Pope Francis himself was the first to cross through the newly opened door, after knocking to signal its opening. During this momentous occasion, he dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope, emphasizing its importance against the backdrop of current global conflicts and hardships.
"The Holy Year is an opportunity to relieve the debt of poor countries and commit to protecting the planet," said Pope Francis, as he underscored the Jubilee's significance. His message of hope aims to provide comfort amid the "interminable, dreary days of prisoners, to the cold and dismal lodgings of the poor and to all those places desecrated by war and violence," he added.
Despite the joyous spirit of the Holy Year, the atmosphere was tinged with apprehension due to heightened security concerns. This was prompted by fears stemming from a recent tragic attack on a Christmas market in Germany, which resulted in multiple casualties. To maintain safety during the influx of pilgrims, security measures across the Vatican were intensified, including the deployment of extra police and surveillance systems.
Prior to entering the Holy Door, pilgrims faced various security controls. Each or all was subject to metal detectors and thorough screenings as they prepared to enter the basilica, where they could engage in prayers and receive blessings. Many of the pilgrims paused to touch the Holy Door and made the sign of the cross, marking their entry as one filled with reverence.
Pope Francis's health has also been under scrutiny, especially considering his struggle with bronchitis and the intensity of the events scheduled during the Holy Year. The pontiff, who turned 88 just days before the Christmas celebrations, has maintained his active involvement and commitment to the Church's mission.
This year’s program is particularly ambitious, including plans for other significant ceremonies. Among the highlights will be the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a teenage internet whiz and the Church's first millennial saint, set to happen during the Jubilee explicitly dedicated to adolescents. This reflects the broader goal of the Jubilee: to connect with younger generations and inspire them through faith.
Historical precedents of the Jubilee reveal its impact. For example, the Sistine Chapel was commissioned during the Jubilee of 1475, providing insight not only about the significance of these events but about their capacity to mold the cultural and urban fabric of Rome.
Observers note the logistical challenges the city faces, having undergone numerous upgrades to accommodate the significant anticipated influx of visitors. The last two years of public works have left many areas still undergoing renovations, impacting local traffic and services. Response efforts have aimed to ease the challenges posed by overtourism, particularly as travelers have returned to Italy following pandemic restrictions.
Despite these challenges, Vatican officials expressed confidence, citing past Jubilees' positive effects on the city and its disposition toward pilgrims and visitors. The events of 2025 stand as a beacon of hope, inviting individuals seeking solace within the tenets of faith.
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis gave his customary "Urbi et Orbi" address from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, serving to reflect on the year's trials and extending messages of hope. The call to overcome the divisions around the world—from conflicts ranging from the Holy Land to Europe—was central to this year's address.
With the commencement of the 2025 Holy Year, the Catholic Church's call for unity amid adversity resonates strongly. This initiative aims not only to bring pilgrims to sacred sites but also to instill values of compassion and solidarity across all nations.
