The Jubilee Year 2025, on the theme Pilgrims of Hope,
officially commenced on Christmas Eve with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter by Pope Francis, who then presided over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord’s Birth inside the Basilica.
A Jubilee Year is celebrated every twenty-five years by the worldwide Church during which Catholics come together to rejoice in the faith. Over the Jubilee Year, we are encouraged to show mercy, forgive past wrongs, relieve debt, to spiritually rejuvenate, and be offered an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence.
On 29 December, across the island, bishops celebrated Mass to mark the launch of this Holy Year.