Pope Francis aims to offer hope globally with the Jubilee Year of the Roman Catholic Church. He inaugurated this special year during Christmas Eve Mass by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
He emphasized the responsibility of bringing hope, especially to war-torn areas where children suffer violence. The Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee Year every 25 years, focusing on reconciliation, and expects millions of pilgrims in Rome.
This year, Pope Francis will also open a Holy Door in the Rebibbia prison. In contrast, Christmas in Bethlehem was subdued due to regional conflict, with limited visitors and fewer decorations.
Patriarch Pizzaballa called for hope amidst ongoing tensions. Earlier in the day, eight people were killed in Tulkarem during an Israeli raid.
In Syria, Christians in Damascus demonstrated for religious freedom under new leadership, fearing restrictions despite assurances from HTS. An incident with a burning Christmas tree in Hama heightened these fears, although HTS leaders condemned the act and promised justice.
Source: NOS