VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis officially launched the 2025 Holy Year on Christmas Eve by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, an event expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to the Italian capital city, Rome.

Since the first Holy Year in 1300, passing through the Holy Door or one of the three doors at the other Papal Basilicas has allowed pilgrims to receive indulgences, meaning 'the forgiveness of sins'.

The 2025 Holy Year, themed around fostering hope and trust, is the second Jubilee led by Pope Francis, following the one in 2015.

Alongside the doors of Rome’s Major Basilicas, the Pontiff will, for the first time, open a fifth door in a Roman prison, symbolising an invitation for “all prisoners to look to the future with renewed confidence.”

An estimated 7,000 people followed the opening of the Holy Door from inside the Basilica, while thousands more watched on large screens in St. Peter’s Square and via broadcasts worldwide.

Security in Rome has been tightened, with 700 additional officers deployed and advanced surveillance measures in place. Following a recent attack at a German Christmas market, police patrols around key sites have been intensified.

Rome has undergone two years of intense preparations to welcome the wave of visitors expected throughout the Holy Year, although only part of the 300 planned public works and renovation projects have been completed. — Euronews