Pope Francis on Dec. 24 officially launched the Vatican's 2025 Jubilee Year, encouraging Christians to use the milestone occasion to dream of a "new world where peace and justice reign."

Opening the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, Pope Francis inaugurates a jubilee year expected to draw 32 million visitors to Rome.

The Pope crossed the Holy Door in a wheelchair. He is also wearing a hearing aid today. He does not yet appear to be in great shape after the cold of the past few days, which forced him to recite

According to the Vatican, the tradition began in 1300 when Pope Boniface VII announced the first Jubilee. Later, Jubilees came to be celebrated every 25 years.

Pope Francis begins the 2025 Holy Year, welcoming millions of pilgrims to Rome, focusing on hope and inclusivity during this significant Jubilee.

Francis urged the Vatican inner circle to bless more and talk less badly of others. It wasn’t the first time he had used the occasion to scold them.

Pope Francis emphasized that “no child is ever a mistake” during his last Angelus address before Christmas Day.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis opened the “Holy Door” of St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve on Dec 24, launching the Jubilee year of Catholic celebrations set to draw more than 30 million pilgrims to Rome.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Tuesday opens the 2025 Holy Year, kicking off a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome and test the pope's stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them.

Pope Francis has opened the sacred portal at St Peter’s in Rome marking the beginning of the Jubilee, with the theme Pilgrims of Hope.

On his wheelchair, Pope Francis began the celebration of Christmas by opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, kicking off the 2025 Holy Year. “The steps we now take are the steps of the whole church,” the pope said.