Pope Francis will mark Christmas Eve this year with a momentous ceremony that signals the start of Jubilee 2025, a special Catholic event expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome. The global Catholic community is preparing for this significant occasion, alongside the traditional celebrations of the Nativity of the Lord.

Launch of the Holy Door

As part of the Christmas Eve festivities, Pope Francis, despite recovering from a recent cold, will preside over the opening of the "Holy Door" at St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT). This symbolic act, witnessed by approximately 30,000 attendees and a global TV audience, marks the formal beginning of the Jubilee Year. The Holy Door, typically sealed, will remain open for a year, inviting pilgrims to pass through and receive a "plenary indulgence," a traditional forgiveness of sins.

Global Nativity Services

Churches worldwide are gearing up to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated as a pivotal moment of hope and salvation for humanity. Services will commence with evening Masses, and Saint Peter’s Basilica will host theChristmas Nativity celebrations after the Holy Door inauguration. In India, this spiritual event will align with the opening of the Door of Mercy at 11:30 pm local time.

A Year of Reflection and Renewal

The Jubilee, organized every 25 years, is a time for Catholics to engage in reflection and penance. Over the next one-year, the Vatican will host a series of cultural/religious events, including Holy Masses,  conferences, exhibitions and concerts. Beyond religious observance, the Jubilee also seeks to reach a broader audience, fostering a spirit of unity and renewal.

Rome’s Transformation for the Jubilee

Rome has undergone extensive preparations for this occasion. Iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Ponte Sant’Angelo have been meticulously restored, and city roads have been redesigned to accommodate the influx of visitors. Despite these efforts, concerns linger about how the city, with its already crowded sites and unreliable public transport, will handle millions of additional tourists.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the completion of key projects, including a new road tunnel near the Vatican, as a “little civil miracle” given the tight deadlines and logistical challenges.

Expanding Jubilee Celebrations

Over the next few days, Holy Doors will be opened in Rome’s major basilicas and Catholic churches worldwide, symbolizing the universality of this spiritual event. On Thursday, Pope Francis will extend the Jubilee’s reach by opening a Holy Door at Rebibbia prison in Rome and presiding over a Mass for inmates, highlighting themes of mercy and inclusion.

A Message for All

While Jubilee 2025 is primarily aimed at the 1.4 billion Catholics globally, the event carries a universal message of hope and renewal. By blending religious traditions with cultural celebrations, it seeks to inspire not only the faithful but also a broader audience across the world.