Pope Francis offers hope as a gift for the Jubilee year of 2025, addressing a world plagued by war, violence, poverty, and ecological crises. In his Bull, titled Spes non confundit (“hope does not disappoint”), he calls for a global fund to combat hunger and support the sick, elderly, and poor, suggesting funds be redirected from military expenses. The Jubilee year will feature the opening of a Holy Door in a prison, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” for both visitors to Rome and those celebrating in their local churches.
A common date for Easter
In the document, Pope Francis recalls the 2015 Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and looks ahead to the 2000th anniversary of the Redemption in 2033. He also highlights the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea, which addressed the date of Easter. The Pope appeals to all Christians, East and West, to unite around a common date for Easter (17).
The opening of the Holy Door
Pope Francis announces that the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica will open on December 24, 2024, marking the start of the Ordinary Jubilee year. On December 29, he will open the Holy Door of San Giovanni Laterano, followed by the Holy Door of Santa Maria Maggiore on January 1, 2025, and San Paolo fuori le Mura on January 5. These three Holy Doors will close on December 28, 2025. On December 29, 2024, bishops will celebrate the Eucharist in their cathedrals to inaugurate the Jubilee Year. The Jubilee will conclude with the closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter on January 6, 2026, the Feast of the Epiphany (6).
Fr Dr G. Dolin MMI
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