Final preparations are underway for the start of the Holy Year, which will emphasize the need for hope in a world afflicted with hunger, poverty and war.

One of the Roman Catholic Church's most significant events, the Holy Year, or Jubilee, will begin on Christmas Eve (December 24) when Pope Francis officially unlocks the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica.

The massive bronze door, adorned with panels depicting human sin and God's mercy, will serve as the focal point of the Jubilee.

Earlier in December, the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica was ceremonially unsealed in a solemn ritual led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti. This marked the first step in preparing the sacred portal, accessible only during Jubilee years.

The ceremony saw Vatican workers, known as "Sampietrini," dismantle the brick wall that had sealed the door since the last Jubilee. Behind the wall lay a metal box containing the key to the door, which was verified in a moment steeped in tradition.

The Holy Doors, representing the doorway to salvation, are only opened during Jubilee years. Rome’s four Holy Doors, including those at St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, will open progressively, with St. Peter’s Basilica as the focal point.

Pilgrims passing through these doors are believed to secure the remission of their sins. Beyond the Vatican, other Holy Doors will be designated worldwide, including one in Rebibbia prison in Rome, which Pope Francis will open on December 26 as part of the Jubilee.

Over 32 million pilgrims are expected in Rome during the Jubilee, which runs until January 6, 2026. Pope Francis will emphasize forgiveness, unity, and debt relief, continuing the Church’s mission to inspire compassion and hope worldwide.

(Production: Gabriele Pileri, Oriana Boselli)