On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis launches holy Jubilee year

Pope Francis opened the “Holy Door” of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, launching the Jubilee year of Catholic celebrations expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome. The 88-year-old pontiff, pushed in a wheelchair due to a recent cold, knocked on the ornate bronze door before it opened, followed by a procession through the door as the Vatican basilica’s bells rang out. Over the next year, pilgrims will receive forgiveness for their sins by passing through the door, with the Jubilee focused on reflection, penance, and hope, including addressing issues such as war, profiteering, and unfair debts.

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