Pope Francis opens holy year: a little girl as an ambassador

Pope Francis opens holy year: a little girl as an ambassador

Petersdom, Rom, Italien - Pentecost 2025 becomes the climax of the Rome -faithful Christianity, because the Holy Year 2025 is opened! On December 24, 2024, Pope Francis will open the "Holy Pforte" in St. Peter's Basilica with an important act, and at this special moment the Austrian girl Ludovica-Lavinia Piccioni will also play a central role. The eight -year -old Welser is chosen as one of the few children to take part in the ceremony, in which she crosses the sacred portal in typical Upper Austrian costume. This gate usually remains blocked and is only opened in special times to give the pilgrims access to a "complete indulgence", as in a report by kathpress.at mentioned.

pilgrim of hope - the motto of the jubilee year

The concept of the Holy Year has a long tradition that goes back to 1300 when Pope Bonifatius VIII called the first jubilee year. Under the motto "Pilgrim of Hope", Rome awaits million from visitors from all over the world until January 6, 2026. During this time, the churches invite you to a variety of events to strengthen faith and hope, and the crossing of the holy gate is a central element of this pilgrimage experience. This year is particularly exciting, since the holy gate is only open on special occasions, as tourist-in-rom.com

The celebrations will include many church events in which believers have the opportunity to reflect and pray. In addition to the opening of the holy gate in St. Peter's Basilica, there will be specific dates for opening other holy gates in other papal basilics. After all, the Holy Year is not only an event for believers, but also a cultural spectacle that combines many with the hope of grace and spiritual renewal.