Pope celebrates 88th birthday and distributes gifts to those in need

Pope celebrates 88th birthday and distributes gifts to those in need

There is good news in the Vatican! In a generous gesture, Pope Francis received 2,250 panettoni, the traditional Italian Christmas cakes. This special donation comes from the company Amil Care Italia and was announced with joy by the Papal Commissioner for Social Affairs, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. The panettoni are used for those in need in Rome's Rebibbia prison and for children at the Santa Marta Foundation. This was done through the portal Kathpress announced.

But that's not enough! On December 26, Pope Francis will even open a dedicated “Holy Door” in Rebibbia Prison to celebrate the upcoming Holy Year 2025. On this festival, which has the motto “Spes non confundit”, hope is to be carried into the world for all believers. The Pope will lead a special vespers in St. Peter's Basilica, where he will announce the official bull of the Holy Year. The Holy Year, proclaimed every twenty-five years, is marked by hope and will be an invitation to many pilgrims to be strengthened by experiences of faith, such as Vatican News reported.

For Francis, this means not only a celebration, but also a new chance to spread hope and strengthen people's faith. The Holy Door will not only be opened for the inmates of the prison, but will also be a symbol of hope and new beginnings for all those who are in trouble. This act of mercy combines the message of the Holy Year with practical help for those in need.