Pope Francis has made history by opening the first "Holy Door" for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year at Rebibbia prison, marking the first time such a door has been opened at a prison since the tradition began over 700 years ago. This remarkable event took place on Thursday, as the Pope extended his message of hope to inmates, emphasizing their role in the Catholic Church’s significant celebration.
The ceremony was part of the longstanding Jubilee tradition, which occurs every 25 years and invites millions of pilgrims to Rome. An estimated 32 million devotees are expected for this Jubilee, which runs through January 6, 2026. On Christmas Eve, earlier this week, Francis opened the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, officially launching the Jubilee year.
During his visit to the Rebibbia prison, the Pope stood up from his wheelchair, knocked on the door of the chapel, and walked across the threshold. He reenacted the same action he had performed two nights earlier at the basilica. "The first Holy Door I opened at Christmas was in St. Peter's. I wanted the second one to be here, in a prison," the Pope remarked, addressing the inmates. He stressed the importance of hope, making it clear he wanted “each of us here, inside and out, to have the possibility of throwing open the door of our hearts and understand hope doesn't disappoint.”
The emphasis on hope resonates deeply within Rebibbia prison, particularly as Italy grapples with high rates of prison overcrowding and inmate suicides, which have reached alarming levels according to the Antigone Association. Their recent report revealed 88 prisoners took their own lives this year, the highest number ever recorded. Currently, Italy’s prison population stands at 132% over its official capacity.
Pope Francis has long advocated for prisoners, believing their circumstances warrant special attention. He highlighted this during his homily, likening hope to an anchor anchored to solid ground and urging inmates to “hold onto the rope of hope; hold onto the anchor. Never let it go.” His commitment to mentors serving their sentences remains integral as he hopes they can find something worth holding onto during their time behind bars.
After his prison visit, Francis returned to the Vatican, where he reiterated his sentiments during his Sunday noon blessing. Referring to prison as “a cathedral of pain and hope,” he expressed his wishes for peace and the reduction of debts owed by poorer nations, emphasizing practices of social justice revered during Jubilee years.
The future of the Jubilee Year of 2025 promises multiple events, with Masses dedicated to diverse groups, including adolescents, teachers, and migrants. The final mass for inmates is scheduled for December 14, 2025, at St. Peter's Basilica, underscoring the significance of incarceration within the church's overarching mission of redemption and social responsibility.
Francis' dedication to prison ministry and addressing the systemic issues within Italy’s penal system are fundamental aspects of his papacy, which has consistently focused on accessibility and compassion. Millions of pilgrims will share this focus as they gather for the upcoming Jubilee, all part of the Catholic Church's effort to bring solace and remembrance of faith to even the most marginalized.
