Pope Francis Opens Holy Door at Rome Prison, Spreads Message of Hope

ROME, Italy December 26, 2024 — Pope Francis opened a Holy Door during a visit to the Rebibbia New Complex Prison in Rome on Thursday. The event, held at the prison's Church of Our Father, followed the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on December 24th, 2024, which launched the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. This is the first time in the history of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee celebrations that a Holy Door has been opened at a prison.

After opening the door, the Holy Father celebrated Mass at the church with prisoners and prison staff. In his address, the Pope Francis emphasized the symbolic significance of opening the Holy Door in a correctional facility. “I wanted the second Holy Door I open for the Jubilee Year to be here at a prison,” he said, explaining that the gesture underscores the opportunity for renewal and hope, even in challenging circumstances.

A Message of Hope

During the Mass, Pope Francis delivered a poignant homily, where he likened hope to an anchor that keeps humanity moving forward. “Sometimes, the rope is hard and hurts our hands,” he admitted, but he assured the gathered inmates that hope remains steadfast and unyielding.

The Pope warned against the dangers of closed and hardened hearts and urged prisoners to embrace tenderness and brotherhood. He explained that the Jubilee’s theme of hope invites all to “fling open” the doors of their hearts.

Closing Remarks

The Pontiff encouraged everyone present to reflect on the openness of their hearts, saying that the Holy Door symbolizes the door of the human heart, which should remain open to hope and tenderness.

Concluding his homily, Pope Francis requested prayers from the prisoners and reassured them of his ongoing prayers, emphasizing his sincerity.

Symbolic Gestures and Gifts

Following the Mass, prisoners and staff offered the Pope gifts, including a miniature reproduction of the Holy Door, a basket of handmade goods, and a painting of Christ as the Savior by former prison officer Elio Lucente. In return, Pope Francis presented the prison with a commemorative parchment celebrating the occasion.

This historic event underscores Pope Francis's commitment to inclusivity and compassion, resonating deeply with the Jubilee Year theme of hope and renewal.

Courtesy: Vatican News