Pope Francis formally inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year on Tuesday. This Holy Year tradition is intended to encourage pilgrims to make pilgrimages to Rome. The opening comes amid security concerns following an attack on a Christmas market in Germany.
Opening of the Holy Door:
At the start of the Christmas Eve Mass, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. This door will remain open throughout the year and approximately 3.2 crore devotees are expected to pass through it.
Historical Traditions of the Holy Year:
The first Holy Year was held in 1300 and now the tradition is celebrated every 25 to 50 years. Devotees can receive “indulgences” or forgiveness of sins during the Holy Year. This is an old feature in the Catholic Church, which serves to exonerate sins.
Significance and rules of Jubilee:
According to the rules set for the 2025 Holy Year, devotees will have to do the following to receive indulgences:
- Organizing and participating in pilgrimages to four papal basilicas, the Holy Land or other jubilee sites in Rome.
- Acting like helping the needy, visiting prisoners, caring for the sick or elderly.
- Staying away from social media for at least a day or avoiding unnecessary expenses and donating the amount to the poor or migrants.
Special attention for prisoners:
Pope Francis has made ministry to prisoners a central part of his pastoral life. In this holy year too, he has decided to personally open the holy door of Rome’s Rebibia prison, giving a message of hope. The Holy Year will conclude with the Jubilee of Prisoners on December 14, 2025.
Security and preparedness in Rome:
Italian authorities have increased security at all major tourist destinations following the Christmas market attacks in Germany. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has announced plans to deploy 700 extra police officers and drones to control crowds. Advance booking facility is provided to devotees to visit St. Peter’s Basilica.
Rehabilitation projects and the development of Rome:
Rome is undergoing massive public works and artistic restoration projects in preparation for the Holy Year. It has used the European Union’s Covid-19 recovery fund. Only a third of the 323 projects have been completed, so traffic problems and repairs are likely to continue until 2026.
Important work done:
The cleaning of Bernini’s Piazza Navona fountains has been completed, while the Trevi Fountain has been reopened. A new pedestrian square has been created on the main road leading to St. Peter’s Square.
Preparation of festival celebration for devotees:
In each month of the holy year there will be official events for different communities. Special programs are planned for armed forces, artists, poor, volunteers and teachers. September also has special events for the LGBTQ+ Catholic community.
While the celebration of the Holy Year encourages the faithful to grow spiritually, it will be a historic and important milestone for Rome.
