The Pope chose to open the Holy Door at the Rebibbia prison in Italy as his second of five doors during the 2025 Jubilee for this reason.

As the Pope left the Rebibbia prison, he stopped to greet the 300 inmates and staff who had waited outside of the crowded chapel on the cold December morning.

Pope Francis made history by opening a 'Holy Door' at Italy's Rebibbia prison for the 2025 Catholic Church jubilee, symbolising hope and redemption. He urged for prisoner reintegration and the abolition of the death penalty,

Pope Francis made a visit on Thursday to one of the largest prison complexes in Italy, opening a special "Holy Door" for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, in what the Vatican said was the first such action by a Catholic pontiff.

Pope Francis is bringing his Holy Year to Rome’s main prison. Francis traveled to Rebibbia prison on a frigid morning.

"I wanted all of us, inside or out, to have an opportunity to throw open the doors of our hearts and understand that hope does not disappoint."

In this context, Pope Francis has made an extraordinary gesture by opening the second Holy Door inside the Roman prison of Rebibbia. This act is not only a symbol of forgiveness and mercy, but also represents a strong message of hope for all prisoners,

Seated in his wheelchair in front of the church door, Pope Francis prayed: "In the joy of Christmas, let us welcome the call of the Lord Jesus to follow him. He is the door of life, the hope that does not disappoint, the good news that saves."

Pope Francis urged inmates to never give up hope as he inaugurated the Vatican’s Jubilee Year at the high-security Rebibbia prison on the outskirts of Rome on Thursday.

Pope Francis opens Holy Door in Rome’s Rebibbia prison Pope Francis goes to Rome's Rebibbia prison to open a Holy Door, one of only five that will be open during the 2025 Catholic Holy Year. Watch more on Independent TV: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: Follow us