The spiritual leader of the Catholics and the head of the Vatican, the Pope Francis opened the holy gates in the Cathedral of St. Peter on the eve of the anniversary year of Christianity, which will be celebrated all 2025.
According to the official broadcasting body of the Vatican – the website of Vatican News, the theme of the anniversary of the Holy Year, the pontiff defined as “Hope”.
“Tonight, the gates of hope opened widely before the world,” he said, speaking at the ceremony in the main temple of the Vatican and Rome – the Cathedral of St. Peter.
After prayer, chants and reading an excerpt from the Gospel, Pope Francis approached the holy gates of the Basilica of St. Peter and opened them, symbolizing the beginning of the anniversary of the Holy year.
The gates of the cathedral almost constantly for many years have been walled up. Their discovery was launched by the anniversary year – a special period in the life of the Roman Catholic Church, which will end on January 6, 2026.
The anniversary year is a special period for all Christians under the jurisdiction of Rome, since it is usually announced only once every 25 years. For believers, this is an opportunity to obtain the so -called complete indulgence, that is, a complete remission of sins.
In the meantime, the authorities of Italy strengthened security measures in Rome before the opening of the anniversary year in connection with the attack that occurred at the Christmas Fair in Germany.
For patrolling the streets of the Italian capital, 700 more law enforcement officers were sent, which were stationed next to critically important objects.