In a solemn ceremony on Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the beginning of the Holy Year 2025, a “Jubilee of Hope.” The rite, which has been a part of the Catholic Church’s jubilee celebrations since 1450, symbolizes the opening of a spiritual doorway to hope, mercy, and forgiveness.
As the pope pushed open the decorated bronze door, he prayed for the Holy Spirit to soften hardened hearts, enabling enemies to reconcile and adversaries to join hands. He also emphasized the importance of hope, saying, “Hope is not dead; hope is alive, and it embraces our lives forever!”
During the ceremony, 10 children from different countries, accompanied by their parents, were the first to cross the threshold, followed by 54 people from 27 nations. The event was attended by 6,000 people inside the basilica and an estimated 25,000 in St. Peter’s Square.
In his homily during the Christmas Eve vigil Mass, Pope Francis reflected on the significance of hope, saying, “Hope calls us to become pilgrims in search of truth, dreamers who never tire, women and men open to being challenged by God’s dream.” He also emphasized the need for courage and compassion in the face of evil and injustice.
The Holy Year 2025, which will run until January 6, 2026, is themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” Pope Francis has called for a spiritual renewal and transformation of the world, emphasizing the need for hope, mercy, and forgiveness in a world marked by suffering and injustice.
