VATICAN CITY — On Tuesday, Pope Francis officially inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year, kicking off a momentous celebration for the Catholic Church that is anticipated to attract around 32 million pilgrims to Rome. This influx will not only test the pontiff’s endurance but also challenge the city’s capacity to accommodate such a significant number of visitors.
Wheeled to the great Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis knocked several times before it swung open, marking the beginning of the celebrations. As he was ushered across the threshold, bells rang in harmony throughout Rome, and a choir inside the basilica commenced a performance for Christmas Eve Mass.
In his homily, the pope emphasized the Holy Year as a chance to alleviate the debts of impoverished nations and to reaffirm commitments to environmental conservation. He articulated that the Jubilee’s purpose is “to bring hope to the never-ending, bleak days of prisoners, to the cold and somber shelters of the impoverished, and to all areas scarred by war and violence.”
This ceremony marks the commencement of a Jubilee, a tradition celebrated once every 25 years, where Catholics embark on pilgrimages to the heart of the Church in Rome. Pope Francis has earmarked the 2025 Jubilee with the theme of hope, which he plans to further illustrate by opening a Holy Door on Thursday at Rebibbia prison, aimed at inspiring inmates with a vision of a brighter future. His longstanding commitment to prison ministry is evidenced by his multiple visits to the Rebibbia facility and other correctional institutions throughout his papacy.
In light of security concerns following the recent Christmas market attack in Germany, authorities have heightened safety measures around the Vatican. Additional police patrols and surveillance cameras are being deployed throughout Rome, and pilgrims are subjected to metal detectors and security checks as they navigate through police barricades to access St. Peter’s Square.
Despite recently battling a cold that necessitated him to deliver his Sunday blessing from indoors, Pope Francis appeared vigorous and engaged during the evening event. At 88 years old, concerns about his health and endurance remain, particularly with the intense schedule of activities set for the Holy Year.
Among the notable events will be the canonization of Carlo Acutis, hailed as the first millennial and digital-age saint, during the Jubilee focused on youth that takes place in April. During this week, the pope will also be delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message on Christmas Day from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. In addition to his visit to Rebibbia, he will lead the New Year’s Eve vespers and a Mass on New Year’s Day.
As Rome welcomes this Holy Year, there is a palpable sense of caution among its residents. The city has undergone extensive public works aimed at improving transportation systems and emergency services over the past two years, which has tested the patience of its residents. Unfortunately, only about one-third of the 323 planned projects have been completed, while the city grapples with the challenges of overtourism as visitors return in large numbers post-COVID-19.
Some of Rome’s iconic sites have recently reopened, including the famous Trevi Fountain. Furthermore, a key project aimed at creating a pedestrian-friendly piazza that connects Castel St. Angelo to the Via della Conciliazione, the main thoroughfare leading to St. Peter’s Square, was unveiled just prior to the Jubilee festivities.
Vatican officials maintain that Rome has a historic tradition of warmly welcoming pilgrims, citing the significant impact past Jubilees have had on the city’s urban and spiritual landscape. Notably, the Sistine Chapel was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV for the Jubilee of 1475, while a large garage for the Vatican was built for the 2000 Jubilee under St. John Paul II.
The concept of a Holy Year dates back to 1300 when Pope Boniface VII declared the first Jubilee. These events generally occur every 25 to 50 years, and participants are able to receive “indulgences,” which are associated with the forgiveness of sins, offering a figurative “get out of Purgatory free” card.
Pope Francis also declared a special Jubilee dedicated to mercy between 2015 and 2016, while the next is scheduled for 2033 in honor of Christ’s crucifixion anniversary. The last routine Jubilee was held in 2000 under St. John Paul II, marking the beginning of the third millennium for the Church. The previous Jubilee in 1975 is often recalled for the near mishap involving Pope Paul VI, who narrowly escaped being struck by falling plaster while opening the Holy Door. Today, the opening of this door is conducted with thorough preparation, ensuring a smooth and reverent commencement of the Holy Year proceedings.
