The bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out in the heart of Rome on this solemn day of December 22, 2024, marked by the celebration of the 2025 Jubilee at the Vatican. Under the benevolent gaze of Pope Francis, nuns, rocked by their unwavering faith, devoutly held up figurines of the baby Jesus, symbolizing the spirit of Christmas and spiritual renewal that animated this day.
The scene took place in St. Peter’s Square, in front of a crowd of some 30,000 people who had come from all over the world to attend the opening of the “Holy Door”, a symbolic gesture marking the beginning of this ordinary Jubilee, a thousand-year-old tradition of the Catholic Church. This “Holy Door”, usually walled up, was open to pilgrims wishing to receive the plenary indulgence, a sign of reconciliation and divine forgiveness.
The Pope, aged 88 and despite a recent cold, fervently presided over this opening ceremony, breathing a wind of spirituality and hope into the audience. The event, broadcast worldwide, marked the beginning of a year of conversion and penance for the faithful, but also of festivities, exhibitions and cultural and religious meetings.
Beyond the rites and symbols, this Jubilee also had a universal character, inviting not only Catholics but also non-believers to reflect on their spiritual journey and their relationship with faith. Workers, artists, migrants, young people, all were invited to participate in this spiritual communion, underlining the desire of the sovereign pontiff to bring together and include everyone in this moment of sharing and reflection.
Pope Francis’ visit to Rebibbia Prison, where he celebrated Mass with the inmates, demonstrated his desire to be close to the most marginalized in society, recalling the importance of mercy and forgiveness in everyone’s life.
Far from being stuck in tradition, this Jubilee also wanted to be modern and innovative, with its mascot “Luce” inspired by manga culture, a symbol of generational renewal and an opening towards new horizons.
Thus, the 2025 Jubilee was announced as a time of meditation, sharing and renewal, inviting each participant to question themselves, to challenge themselves, and to work for a world marked by peace, tolerance and solidarity. May the events of this Jubilee year nourish hearts, illuminate minds and guide the steps of each person towards a brighter and more inclusive future.