Pope Francis made history on December 26, 2024, by opening the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison, marking the first time any pontiff has inaugurated such a door within the confines of a prison. This significant event is part of the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year 2025, which emphasizes hope and redemption.
The Pope's visit to Rome's largest prison complex took place on the liturgical feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Accompanied by Bishop Benoni Ambarus, the Pope, who recently celebrated his 88th birthday, stood from his wheelchair to knock six times on the bronze door of the prison chapel known as the Church of Our Father. The ceremony commenced around 8:50 AM, filled with emotion as the Pope symbolically crossed the threshold, embodying his message of hope for the inmates.
“I wanted the second Holy Door I open to be here at a prison,” said Pope Francis, reflecting on the importance of this moment. He explained, “I wanted each of us here, inside and out, to have the possibility of throwing open the door of our hearts and understand hope does not disappoint.” This unique Holy Door is one of only five opened during the Jubilee Year, which will run until January 6, 2026.
The Mass was attended by approximately 100 inmates as well as police officers, prison guards, chaplains, and their families, all present to witness this special moment. Overflowing with joy, they joined together to sing Christmas hymns, including the beloved “Silent Night,” during the intimate Mass led by Pope Francis. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and unity, as he shared words of encouragement and hope for the future.
Throughout the ceremony, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of maintaining hope, especially during challenging times. “Do not lose hope. This is the message I want to give you,” he urged. He used the metaphor of hope as an anchor to explain how even when the struggles of life seem insurmountable, there is always something good on the horizon. “Sometimes the rope is hard and it hurts our hands ... but with the rope, always with the rope in hand, looking at the shore, the anchor carries us forward. Always there is something good, always there is something.”
The Pope's visit was not merely symbolic; it was deeply personal as he took the time to greet each inmate present and extended his thoughts to those who remained confined within their cells. “I pray for you every day,” he affirmed, expressing genuine concern for their well-being. The gestures of kindness exchanged between the inmates and the Pope were heartwarming, as gifts were presented, including handmade items and symbols of hope crafted within the prison.
Pope Francis highlighted the significance of the Holy Door and what it represented—not just for the Church, but for the inmates as well. “Open the doors of the heart,” he urged, describing the importance of keeping one’s heart open to love, compassion, and tenderness, especially during tough times. He cautioned against the dangers of hardened hearts, expressing, “When the heart is closed, hard as a rock, tenderness is forgotten.” He reaffirmed this message to everyone present, reminding them to remain open to hope and the genuine love Christ offers to each person.
His visit is part of the broader Jubilee celebrations aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration of those who have faced hardships. “Every time I come to a prison, I ask myself: Why them and not me?” he reflected poignantly. Such thoughts highlight his lifelong mission to address the dignity of incarcerated individuals, which he has consistently championed over his papacy.
The presence of the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison is symbolic of the Church's outreach during the Jubilee Year, reminding everyone about the possibility of redemption. The doors to this prison chapel will remain open throughout the jubilee, providing inmates and staff with special access to the blessings of this sacred moment.
Looking forward, the Pope's plans include the Jubilee of Prisoners, which will occur on December 14, 2025, focusing on celebrating the lives of those incarcerated and reinforcing their hope for the future.
By breaking barriers and focusing on the importance of mercy, Pope Francis's historic act of opening the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison stands as a lasting reminder of the transformative power of hope. His heartfelt messages during the ceremony illustrated his unwavering commitment to reaching out to the marginalized and promoting the idea of starting anew.
