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 opened a Holy Door at Rome's Rebibbia prison for the Catholic Church's Jubilee 2025 on Thursday, Saint Stephen's Day. It was a historic move as it is the first time a holy door has been opened at a jail.

"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."

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

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