Pope Francis inaugurated his Holy Year at Rome’s main prison, bringing a message of hope to inmates and involving them in the Catholic Church’s once-every-quarter-century celebration. The opening of the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison marked the beginning of the Jubilee year, a tradition dating back to 1300 that now occurs every 25 years. Francis dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to hope, making it clear that prisoners would play a significant role in the celebration. The final event of the Jubilee will be a special Mass for inmates at St. Peter’s on December 14, 2025, reflecting the Pope’s longstanding commitment to prison ministry.
In Italy, where prison overcrowding and inmate suicides are at record highs, Francis’ message of hope is particularly significant. The Antigone Association reported that 88 prisoners took their own lives in Italian prisons in 2024, the highest number on record. Italy’s prisons are also 132% over capacity, highlighting the urgent need for prison reform. The association called on Italian authorities to heed Francis’ appeal for hope and dignity in the prison system, emphasizing the importance of social reintegration for inmates.
During his visit to Rebibbia prison, Francis spoke to the inmates about the concept of hope as an anchor that can provide stability in difficult times. He encouraged them to hold onto this anchor of hope and never let go, emphasizing the importance of resilience and faith. Reflecting on his interactions with prisoners, the Pope acknowledged that anyone can fall and experience hardship, stressing the importance of maintaining hope in challenging circumstances.
Back at the Vatican, Francis described prison as a “cathedral of pain and hope” as he reiterated his message of peace and debt forgiveness for poorer countries. The Pope emphasized the unsustainable nature of debts owed by many low-income nations, calling for wealthier countries to reduce or eliminate these debts. With the St. Peter’s Holy Door now open to the public, Francis’ 2025 Jubilee involves a busy calendar of events, including special Masses for various groups of pilgrims and a planned visit to Turkey to commemorate the Council of Nicaea.
As pilgrims continue to visit St. Peter’s Basilica throughout the Jubilee year, the Pope’s focus on hope and social justice remains a central theme. With a packed schedule of events ahead, Francis will be tasked with balancing his commitments while delivering his message of hope to diverse audiences. Through his actions and words, the Pope continues to prioritize inclusivity and compassion, particularly for marginalized populations such as prisoners. The 2025 Jubilee offers an opportunity for reflection, engagement, and renewal, as millions of pilgrims journey to Rome to participate in this historic celebration.
