Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Pope Leo officially concluded the Catholic Church's Holy Year on Tuesday in Vatican City, marking the end of a significant time for prayer, introspection, and pilgrimage. As he closed the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope delivered a compelling message urging Christians worldwide to demonstrate compassion, particularly toward foreigners and the needy.
This Holy Year, also referred to as a Jubilee, takes place roughly every 25 years and serves as a unique occasion for forgiveness, peace, and spiritual revival. Throughout this period, pilgrims were granted access to special Holy Doors at major churches in Rome and participated in papal events. The recent Holy Year attracted an estimated 33.5 million pilgrims to Rome, making it one of the largest in recent memory.
During the closing ceremonies, Pope Leo cautioned against viewing individuals merely as resources for profit, asserting that modern society often converts human mobility and aspirations into commercial endeavors. He challenged followers to consider their learnings from the Holy Year and to recognize that what they see in a foreigner could be a neighbor, and in a stranger, a person in search.
Addressing the issue of immigrant care has been a pivotal theme of Pope Leo’s early papacy. In his speech, he appealed to Christians to transcend borders and fears, responding instead with generosity. He highlighted that faith should inspire action, especially in helping those who find themselves impoverished, displaced, or in search of a better existence.
This Holy Year closing was also noteworthy for another reason: it marked the first time in over 300 years that a Holy Year was opened by Pope Francis and closed by his successor, Pope Leo. Pope Francis, who led the Church for 12 years, passed away in April. Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, has committed to pursuing many of Francis's key initiatives.
Pilgrims participating in the Jubilee hailed from 185 nations, with significant numbers from Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil, and Poland. Vatican officials indicated that this event showcased the global influence of the Catholic Church and a shared desire for peace and renewal.
Looking ahead, the next scheduled Holy Year is anticipated no earlier than 2033, coinciding with the potential commemoration of 2,000 years since the death of Jesus. Until then, Pope Leo encouraged believers to embody the essence of the Holy Year in their daily lives by prioritizing kindness over fear and care over profit.
English
