Italy Pope opens the door to St. Peter's Basilica and rings in the Holy Year
In a highly symbolic ceremony on Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, which had been closed for several years. This marked the official start of the Catholic Church's Holy Year. Sitting in a wheelchair, 88-year-old Francis knocked several times on the heavy bronze door, whereupon helpers opened it from the inside.
24.12.2024, 20:29
SDA
Francis, who is dependent on a wheelchair due to a serious knee condition and is in poor health, had previously sat in front of the threshold of the door and paused for a moment in silent prayer. After the door had been opened, he was driven over the threshold into St. Peter's Basilica.
After the Pope, ten children from all over the world, each dressed in their own national costume, crossed the threshold of the Holy Door. They were followed by 54 faithful from different countries.
"Brothers and sisters, at the Christmas of the Lord, we prepare to enter the Holy Door in faith. The steps of our journey are the steps of the whole Church, pilgrim in the world and witness to peace," said Francis. By crossing the threshold, the faithful enter the "time of mercy and forgiveness".
Holy years usually only every 25 years
As a rule, the Catholic Church celebrates a so-called Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee Year, every 25 years. According to Catholic understanding, believers can obtain an indulgence for their sins during a Jubilee Year through prayer and penance. This also includes a pilgrimage to Rome and passing through the Holy Doors. The Holy Year 2025 officially ends on January 6, 2026.
The last ordinary Jubilee Year, or "Giubileo" in Italian, took place in 2000. The Pope can deviate from the 25-year rhythm that has existed since 1475 and declare so-called Extraordinary Holy Years. This last happened in 2015/2016, when Francis inaugurated the "Holy Year of Mercy".
Huge rush of pilgrims - concern after Magdeburg attack
Italy's capital is expecting an unprecedented rush of visitors for the Jubilee Year 2025: the city administration is expecting more than 30 million pilgrims and tourists during the major Catholic event. This will be a major challenge for the city of Rome, which already suffers from mass tourism in normal times.
Following the attack in Magdeburg, the authorities in Italy have also revised their security concept. On Christmas Eve, the area around the Vatican was heavily guarded and St. Peter's Square could only be entered after a security check. Snipers were also deployed.
Tight program awaits the ailing Pope
During the church mega-event, numerous special audiences, events and celebrations with the Pope are scheduled in the Vatican. Despite his advanced age and health problems, Francis intends to complete the busy program as planned.
The 88-year-old Argentinian is now the second oldest head of the Church in history. Shortly before Christmas, the pontiff was still suffering from a cold.
