Pope opens Holy Year with traditional opening of the Holy Door

vatican city - The Catholic Holy Year has officially begun with the traditional opening of the holy door of St. Peter's Basilica by Pope Francis.

The Catholic Church has been holding a Holy Year every 25 years for centuries, with occasional extra jubilee years. In 2016, an extra jubilee year was established, and another Holy Year will take place in 2033, in memory of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. During jubilee years, other churches also open their holy doors which are normally closed.

On Tuesday evening, an estimated 30,000 people were present in St. Peter's Square, but it is expected that millions of people will visit Vatican City in the coming months to celebrate the jubilee year. Pilgrims will be able to walk through the holy door to seek forgiveness for their sins.

The Holy Year will last until January 6, 2026, when the holy door will be closed again. Until then, there will be numerous cultural and religious events in Rome and Vatican City.