Thousands of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Rome to take part in the celebrations, reaffirming their commitment to faith and community.
He Pope Francis starts this Tuesday christmas agendawhich also marks the formal start of the Jubileean event that grants indulgence of sins every 25 years.
This Holy Year, which is expected to attract some 32 million visitors to Rome by 2025, will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilicaa threshold that symbolizes access to indulgence for pilgrims.
Next, Francisco, who celebrates his 88th birthday, will begin the Christmas rites with the traditional Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The next day, December 25, he will lead the Christmas mass and then offer his blessing ‘Urbi et Orbi’ from the central loggia of the basilica, before the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis’ agenda after Christmas
On December 26, the Pope will take the Jubilee to the Rebibbia prison, where he will open a Holy Door in an act that represents both hope and forgiveness, and will pray the Angelus for the inmates. After that, the rites will continue on December 31 with First Vespers and the singing of the ‘Te Deum’ in gratitude for the year that is ending.
The celebration of the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God will take place on the morning of January 1with the first mass of 2025. The festivities will culminate with the Mass of the Epiphany of the Lord on January 6after the celebration of Twelfth Night.
Thousands of pilgrims are expected to arrive in Rome to take part in the celebrations, reaffirming their commitment to faith and community, amidst an environment of enhanced security. Ecclesiastical authorities have expressed their hope that this Jubilee, despite the difficulties, will inspire the faithful to find solace and strength in faith, promoting a spirit of solidarity.
Source: Ambito
