at Rome’s main prison on Thursday, bringing a message of hope to inmates and involving them in the Catholic Church’s once every quarter-century celebration that is expected to bring about 32 million pilgrims to Rome.
“The first Holy Door I opened at Christmas in St. Peter’s. I wanted the second one to be here, in a prison,” Francis told the Rebibbia inmates before he entered. “I wanted each of us here, inside and out, to have the possibility of throwing open the door of our hearts and understanding that hope doesn’t disappoint.”
According to Antigone’s 2024 report, 88 prisoners killed themselves in Italian lockups this year — more than any other year — and Italy’s inmate population was 132% over the system’s capacity. “Because we all can fall, the important thing is to not lose hope, to hold onto that anchor of hope,” he said.
Francis’ outing to Rebibbia on a frigid morning was his final big event of the week after he celebrated Christmas Eve Mass on Tuesday evening at St. Peter’s Basilica and delivered his Christmas Day blessing from the loggia overlooking the square.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rome's Holy Year: A Spiritual Revival Amidst Construction ChaosPope Francis acknowledges the construction woes caused by the Holy Year preparations in Rome, urging both prayers for the city's mayor and a focus on spiritual renewal. While the year-long Jubilee promises events for all walks of life, the influx of pilgrims is expected to exacerbate Rome's overtourism and housing issues.
Read more »
With a Holy Door, Pope Francis to launch Jubilee yearVatican City, Holy See—Pope Francis will mark Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a special ceremony launching Jubilee 2025, a year of Catholic
Read more »
Pope Francis Celebrates Christmas and Opens 2025 Catholic Holy YearPope Francis delivered a Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, marking the 12th Christmas of his papacy and opening the 2025 Catholic Holy Year. He emphasized the importance of hope, calling for action against injustice and urging developed nations to alleviate the debt burden of low-income countries.
Read more »
Pope Francis Opens Holy Door, Marking Start of Catholic Jubilee YearPope Francis inaugurated the Catholic Jubilee Year by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve. The Jubilee, a tradition occurring every 25 years, encourages Catholic faithful to make pilgrimages to Rome. This year's theme is hope, with Francis emphasizing its importance in his homily and planned visit to Rome's Rebibbia prison on Thursday.
Read more »
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis launches holy Jubilee yearPope Francis opened the 'Holy Door' of St Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, launching the Jubilee year of Catholic celebrations set to draw
Read more »
Pope Francis Launches 2025 Holy Year, Calling for Hope and Global ActionPope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year, a Catholic celebration expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. In his address, he called for alleviating poverty, protecting the environment, and bringing hope to marginalized communities.
Read more »