Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year on Tuesday, welcoming what is expected to be 32 million pilgrims to Rome.
From his wheelchair, the pontiff opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the Jubilee.
“The aim is to bring hope to the interminable, dreary days of prisoners, to the cold and dismal lodgings of the poor and to all those places desecrated by war and violence,” he said in his homily.
Dedicated to hope, the Jubilee includes events such as a visit to Rome’s Rebibbia prison and the canonization of millennial saint Carlo Acutis.
Security has been heightened following recent attacks in Europe, with Rome deploying additional police patrols and surveillance.
Francis, who turned 88 last week, appeared in good health despite recent illness.
Rome has faced challenges in preparing for the event, with only a third of infrastructure projects completed.