Pope Francis emphasized that the humble birth of Jesus, as the son of a poor carpenter, should inspire hope and remind people that everyone has the potential to make a difference in the world. On Tuesday, the pontiff led the global Catholic community into Christmas, celebrating his 12th Christmas as pope. He presided over a solemn Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, marking the beginning of the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which the Vatican anticipates will attract approximately 32 million visitors to Rome next year.
In his sermon, centered on the theme of hope, Pope Francis urged the faithful not to be held back by complacency or old habits. "Hope calls us ... to be disturbed by what is wrong and to find the courage to change it," he said, highlighting the transformative power of hope.
A Catholic Holy Year, or Jubilee, is a period dedicated to peace, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, typically held every 25 years. Pilgrims visiting Rome during the Jubilee can receive indulgences, which offer remission of sins. This particular Jubilee will run until January 6, 2026.
During the ceremony, Francis opened the "Holy Door" at St. Peter's, a special bronze-panelled door that remains closed during non-Jubilee years. The Vatican expects up to 100,000 pilgrims to walk through it daily throughout 2025.
Speaking to an audience of approximately 6,000 people inside St. Peter's Basilica and another 25,000 viewing from St. Peter's Square, the pope called on wealthier nations to use the Jubilee as an opportunity to alleviate the debt burdens of poorer countries. "The Jubilee calls us to spiritual renewal and commits us to transforming our world," he declared. "It is a time of Jubilee for the impoverished nations weighed down by unjust debts and for those enslaved by both old and new forms of servitude."
Pope Francis' call for debt cancellation echoes the campaign initiated by the late Pope John Paul II during the 2000 Jubilee, which led to $130 billion in debt relief between 2000 and 2015. Despite battling a cold, the 88-year-old pope appeared in good spirits, though his voice was slightly strained.
On Wednesday, Pope Francis will deliver his traditional Christmas Day "Urbi et Orbi" message and blessing, extending his greetings to both the city of Rome and the global community.