The Holy Year of 2025 began this Tuesday (24), marking the beginning of the “ordinary” Jubilee. The event, which is expected to attract more than 30 million faithful to Rome throughout the year, was inaugurated with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. During the ceremony, which took place on Christmas Eve and brought together around 30,000 people, Francis, sitting in a wheelchair, remained silent in front of the bronze door before walking through it, followed by a procession as the bells rang. According to tradition, the faithful who pass through this door throughout the Holy Year will be able to receive the “plenary indulgence”, the forgiveness of sins.
At Midnight Mass, celebrated later, the pope made an emotional appeal for peace, referring to tragedies such as bombings of schools and hospitals. Without directly mentioning Israel, the pontiff criticized the violence in , which had already provoked protests from the Israeli government days before. On Wednesday (25), during the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, Francis is expected to renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East and other regions in conflict.
In his speech, the pontiff also called for the poorest countries to have their debts forgiven. “This is the Jubilee, this is the time of hope! And he invites us to rediscover the joy of encountering the Lord, calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to transforming the world, so that it truly becomes a jubilee time: may it be like this for our mother Earth, disfigured by the logic of profit; May it be like this for the poorest countries, burdened with unfair debts; May it be like this for all those who are prisoners of old and new slavery”, he said.
Following an attack on a Christmas market in Germany, the Vatican increased security, with around 700 additional agents deployed, according to the Italian Ministry of the Interior.
Held every 25 years, the Jubilee is considered a time of conversion and penance for Catholics. In Rome, preparation for the event included renovations to historic monuments and squares, such as the inauguration of a tunnel near Castel Sant’Angelo. In addition to religious celebrations, the Jubilee also involves commemorative products and technological innovation. This year, an application was launched with practical information and interactive maps. The event also gained a mascot inspired by the manga style, called “Luce” (light, in Latin).
With the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, the 2025 Jubilee reinforces the message of inclusion promoted by Francis’ pontificate. LGBT+ groups will also take part in the celebrations, as the pope continues to uphold environmental protection as a pillar of his leadership. This year’s Jubilee follows the tradition started by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300 and will be followed by another in 2033, in memory of Christ’s crucifixion. The last “ordinary” Jubilee, in 2000, during the pontificate of John Paul II, brought together 25 million people.
*With information from AFP
Published by Felipe Cerqueira
