This is how the Jubilee of 2025 was inaugurated, with Pope Francis opening the Holy Door in a wheelchair.
With the bells ringing in the background of the Basilica, Pope Francis became the first pilgrim of this Holy Year. It was a moment of great expectation, since it was expected that the Pope would open the door standing, as he did in 2015.
The 88-year-old pope had a cold days before, but that did not prevent him from being present at this midnight Mass, despite the low temperatures in Rome.
In fact, he gave a homily of about 10 minutes at this celebration, which welcomes Christmas.
POPE FRANCIS
With the opening of the Holy Door, we begin a new Jubilee. Each of us can enter into the mystery of this announcement of grace. On this night, the door of hope has been thrown wide open to the world; on this night, God says to each one: there is hope for you too!
Pope Francis did not forget the conflicts throughout the planet during this very important Mass.
POPE FRANCIS
This is the signal to rediscover lost hope, to renew it within ourselves, to sow it without delay in the desolations of our time and of our world. And there are so many desolations in this time. We think of wars, of murdered children, of bombs on schools and hospitals.
The Mass ended with Pope Francis taking Jesus to the manger. There, a group of children dressed in traditional costumes worshipped the Child. They brought Him flowers and thus began one of the most important days for Catholics: Christmas.
BAM
TR: GS
