Pope Francis Leads Christmas Eve Mass, opens Holy Door to mark 2025 Jubilee

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - DEC. 24, 2024: Pope Francis presided over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on Tuesday, Dec. 24, drawing thousands of worshippers who flocked to the iconic church to witness the ceremony. The Mass was preceded by the Opening of the Holy Door, symbolizing the beginning of the Catholic Holy Year, also known as the Jubilee. This sacred tradition, which encourages pilgrimages to Rome, dates back to 1300 when it was first introduced by Pope Boniface VIII. The event marked a moment of spiritual significance, as Pope Francis opened the Holy Door, a powerful gesture representing hope and renewal for the faithful around the world. The basilica was filled to capacity as thousands of worshippers took part in this significant celebration. (Footage by Claudia Chieppa/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)