Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The Jubilee 2025 begins, dedicated to the theme of "hope". Bergoglio, who arrived at the door in a wheelchair, recited a prayer shortly before the gesture, saying: "Pilgrims in the world and witnesses of peace, let us enter into the time of mercy and forgiveness, so that every man and every woman may be opened to the path of hope that does not disappoint".
The Pontiff still does not appear to be in great shape after the cold of the last few days that forced him to recite the Angelus from Casa Santa Marta. After him, some concelebrants, religious and about fifty faithful representing various parts of the world crossed the Holy Door.
Among the authorities present at St. Peter's - as reported by the Vatican press - Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, the president of the Lazio Region Francesco Rocca, the Captains Regent of San Marino and the leaders of the Order of Malta. Six thousand faithful also gathered in the basilica while 25 thousand are following the celebration on the giant screens.
(Online Union)