The Catholic Church’s Holy Year is drawing to a close today with a Mass at St Peter’s Basilica and the symbolic sealing of the basilica’s Holy Door. The jubilee had formally opened last December.
Tens of thousands of faithful gathered for the ceremony, attended by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella. The Holy Year was dedicated by the Roman Catholic Church to the theme of hope, at a time repeatedly described by Church leaders as a particularly critical period for humanity.
During the Christmas period, Pope Leo again stressed the need for what he described as “a disarmed and disarming peace, a peace that is humble and steadfast,” echoing language previously used by his predecessor.
Anniversary of St Francis of Assisi
Later this year, the Catholic Church will also commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi through a series of religious events. Church officials note that the organisational experience gained during the Holy Year will serve as an important reference point for those commemorations.
Source: AMNA