Pilgrims from around the world have been passing through the open Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica this week.

Pope Francis opens the Holy Year 2025, continues calls for peace, and addresses global challenges, emphasizing love, hope, and dialogue amid crises

Pope Francis called for peace around the world and for global conflicts to end in his annual “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas message to the faithful.

Pope Francis kicked off the 2025 Holy Year on Tuesday, inaugurating a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome in a test of the pope's stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them.

The pope also voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in his Christmas address, labeling the situation "extremely grave."

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas message and blessing from the Vatican at noon local time.

In his Angelus address on Dec. 26, Pope Francis reflected on Stephen’s last words as he was being stoned to death: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

The 88-year-old Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025.

Pope Francis on December 24 inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year, reviving an ancient church tradition encouraging the faithful to make pilgrimages to Rome. One of the symbolic images of every Jubilee is that of the pontiff crossing the threshold of the Holy Door,

(Abdel Kareem Hana | AP) Palestinian women and girls struggle to reach for food at a distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, in December 2024. The Israel-Hamas war — including the international fallout — was named the top religion story of 2024.

Professor Tracey, who was the programme's guest editor, invited Francis to deliver a message. He spoke of creating “a world full of hope and kindness” in a recorded message broadcast this morning (December 27).