This is not just any year in Rome. Thousands of pilgrims are coming to the heart of Christianity because it is the Holy Year of Mercy. The tradition, dating back more than seven centuries, ;now has a documentary.
'This is Pope Francis' first Holy Year so 700 years of Jubilee traditions are being collected, but with their own label: the Jubilee of Mercy.'
The documentary by television news agency, Rome Reports, delves into the origins of the Jubilee, from its first announcement in the year 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII to the extraordinary Jubilee this year.
'I grant a plenary indulgence to all Christians who come to Rome to visit the great shrines of St. Peter and St. Paul.'
To enrich the story, here is a collection of some of the most authoritative voices, including the spokesman for Pope John Paul II, the organizer of this Jubilee and the Vatican Secret Archives historian who discovers some clues hidden so far within the depths of history.
'The world knows nothing of these documents because no one has studied them in depth. Researchers have been carried away by the charm of that magical air and mystery.'
The almost 50-minute documentary delves into the problems Jubilees have faced throughout history, from floods in Rome to political problems with the new Italian state.
'On one side external religious manifestations were forbidden, they could not hold processions, parades, nothing religious in the streets of the city.'
The story reaches the last Jubilees, with the success of years 1950 and 2000, and the special emotion that a sick John Paul II found in Rome with millions of young people.
It also explains the novelty of this Holy Year of Mercy in comparison to all previous Jubilees.
'Jubilee: 700 years seeking forgiveness' can be seen on Vimeo in English, Spanish and Italian. It is a way to comprehend the great historical weight of this celebration for the Church before passing through the Holy Door.
Jubilee: 700 years seeking forgiveness from ROME REPORTS on Vimeo.
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