Seated in a wheelchair, Jorge Bergoglio knocked on the heavy bronze door before silently meditating on his threshold and entering the monumental basilica, archi-filled, followed by a long procession, while the bells rang at the exterior.
A mass that foreshadows the blessing “Urbi et Orbi”
Throughout the year, pilgrims will be able to pass through this door, walled up in ordinary times, in order to receive the “plenary indulgence”, the forgiveness of sins according to Catholic tradition. The 88-year-old pope, recently weakened by a cold, then presided over Christmas Eve mass.
“Let us think of wars, of machine-gunned children, of bombs on schools or hospitals,” he declared in his homily, an allusion to the Israeli strikes on Gaza, the “cruelty” of which he denounced this week, sparking protests. of Israeli diplomacy. Wednesday at 12 p.m. (Switzerland), during his traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the city and to the world”), he is expected to renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.
On December 15, 2024: Pope Francis traveled to Corsica for a short visit
Reinforced security after the recent German tragedy
After the deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany, security was reinforced around the Vatican. Some 700 additional agents have been deployed to Rome, according to the Italian Interior Ministry.
“Just being there I already feel blessed,” Lisbeth Dembele, a French tourist, told AFPTV. “It was a special occasion for us, for the whole family,” adds her husband, Marcel Dembele, who hopes that the pope will call for a “just peace”.
A Jubilee every 25 years
The last “ordinary” Jubilee, in the year 2000 under John Paul II, brought together 25 million people.
Organized every 25 years, the Jubilee is intended as a time of conversion and penance for the faithful and is accompanied by a long list of cultural and religious events: masses, exhibitions, conferences, concerts, etc.
To prepare for this, Rome was the scene of major works which put the patience of motorists to the test to restore monuments and ease traffic flow. In a city already stormed by millions of visitors and known for the failure of its public transport, the event raises questions about overtourism and environmental impact, while the pope has made integral ecology a pillar of his pontificate.
The opening of the “Holy Door” will be followed in the coming days by those of the three other major basilicas in Rome and thousands of others in churches around the world. Faithful to his attachment to the marginalized, Francis wants to celebrate this tradition on Thursday in the Roman prison of Rebibbia, where he will preside over a mass as a sign of closeness with the inmates.
On December 7, 2024: In Rome, Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals
There's even a manga-inspired mascot
Although it is primarily aimed at the approximately 1.4 billion Catholics, the Jubilee goes beyond the religious framework, like the sale of numerous derivative products – water bottles, caps and t-shirts bearing the official logo. Contrary to its historical heritage – it was Pope Boniface VIII who established this tradition in Rome in 1300 – the event has been modernized and equipped with a smartphone application in six languages.
It even has its mascot, “Luce” (“light” in Latin), a character inspired by manga pop culture, a choice which has sparked criticism but in which some see a desire for generational renewal.
Called “Pilgrims of Hope”, this edition will see groups from all over the world succeed one another for a year: young people, migrants, artists, musicians, associations, the world of sport, business or the educational sector are thus invited to the Vatican to specific dates.
Note the registration on the official pilgrimage website of the Italian Catholic LGBT+ association La Tenda di Gionata, while the Argentine Pope multiplies his calls for a Church open to “all”.
Concerning the “extraordinary” Jubilee, the last one was held in 2016 under the sign of forgiveness, while the next one will take place in 2033 to commemorate the crucifixion of Christ.
