Pope Francis opened a Holy Door at
Rome's Rebibbia prison for the Catholic Church's Jubilee 2025 on
Thursday, Saint Stephen's Day.
It was a historic move as it is the first time a holy door has
been opened at a jail.
"I wanted the second Holy Door I open to be here at a prison,"
said the pope, who kicked off the 'Jubilee of Hope' by opening
the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica on Tuesday, Christmas Eve.
The Argentine pontiff said he wanted everyone to "have the
opportunity to fling open the doors to their hearts and to
understand that hope never disappoints.
"I like to think of hope as the anchor that is on the shore and,
with the rope, we are safe.
"Do not lose hope: this is the message I want to give you, to
give all of us, me the first because hope never disappoints".
In the coming days, holy doors will also be opened at the
Italian capital's three other major basilicas - Saint John
Lateran, Saint.Mary Major and Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
By walking through a Holy Door over the next 12 months,
Catholics will be able to obtain a 'plenary indulgence' for
their sins.
The Jubilee, which features a rich programme of shows,
conferences, concerts and religious events, is expected to bring
over 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
