Pope Francis to Open Holy Door in Rebibbia Prison for the 2025 Jubilee

Rome, November 5, 2024: Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison in Rome on December 26, marking the first time a penitentiary has hosted this symbolic entry point of grace as part of an ordinary Jubilee. The Holy Father’s unprecedented decision reflects his deep commitment to prisoners’ welfare and social reintegration, emphasizing hope and redemption for those who are incarcerated. The announcement, made by HE Mons. Rino Fisichella, Pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, during an October 28 press conference, noted that Rebibbia will stand as “a symbol of all the prisons in the world.”

This act aligns with the Pope's call for compassion and restorative justice outlined in his Bull of Indiction for Jubilee 2025, Spes non Confundit. Pope Francis highlighted the need to be “tangible signs of hope” for people in difficult conditions, especially prisoners, who often face emotional isolation and lack of dignity. He appealed to governments worldwide to consider amnesty or sentence remissions during the Jubilee year as part of broader efforts to restore prisoners' confidence and support their reintegration into society.

Responding to Pope Francis’ appeal, Msgr. Fisichella announced a collaborative agreement signed on September 11 between the Holy See, Italian Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio and Extraordinary Commissioner for the Jubilee Roberto Gualtieri. The agreement will focus on reintegration programs for prisoners through social commitment initiatives, fostering pathways for rehabilitation and community reintegration.

The opening of the Holy Door in Rebibbia will occur two days after the official Jubilee inauguration on December 24 in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis will preside over the Eucharistic Celebration at 7:00 p.m., followed by the opening of St. Peter’s Holy Door, marked by a bell concert to announce the beginning of the Jubilee Year. The special gesture in Rebibbia underlines the Pope's dedication to bringing the spirit of the Jubilee to marginalized communities, inviting prisoners worldwide to look to the future with hope and renewed commitment to life.

Courtesy: Giubileo 2025