Final pilgrims cross Holy Door as Vatican claims Jubilee success • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Jubilee Year: A period of reflection and penance in the Catholic Church, held every 25 years.
• Holy Door: A symbolic door in St. Peter’s Basilica opened for the Jubilee Year and closed at its conclusion.
• Pope Francis: The predecessor of Pope Leo, who opened the Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee.
• Pope Leo: The first American Pope, who closed the Holy Door and is shaping the future direction of the Catholic Church.
• Sovereignty: The concept of a nation’s independent authority and right to self-governance, specifically referenced in relation to Venezuela.

The Conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee Year & The Papacy of Pope Leo

The 2025 Jubilee year officially concluded on Tuesday with Pope Leo closing the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a door initially opened by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Over 33 million pilgrims travelled to Rome during this period of reflection and penance for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, a practice held by the Church every 25 years. The closing marks the end of a year significantly bookended by two pontiffs.

A Unique Transition of Papacies

Josephine McKenna, reporting live from Rome, highlighted the unusual nature of this Jubilee year, stating, “I think it might be unprecedented. I can't be sure about that, but it certainly has been a remarkable year.” The year began with a visibly frail Pope Francis opening the Holy Door, followed by his illness and subsequent passing, and culminating with the election of Pope Leo – the first American Pope. This transition, McKenna argues, “rejuvenated” the Jubilee year, drawing significant attention and speculation regarding the future of the Catholic Church. The election of Pope Leo represents a dramatic shift, though primarily in personality rather than fundamental political direction.

Pope Leo’s Emerging Papacy: Continuity and New Directions

While initially adopting a conservative approach, Pope Leo is increasingly aligning his pronouncements with the core messages of Pope Francis: “mercy and compassion, anti-capitalism, support for immigrants and refugees.” Specific examples cited include Pope Leo’s vocal support for Palestinians in Gaza and his call for the protection of Venezuelan sovereignty following the arrest of President Maduro. This stance on Venezuela demonstrates a commitment to international political issues and the principle of national self-determination.

McKenna notes, “We’re starting to see this emergence of what Pope Leo’s mission will be and I think there’ll be a great deal of attention on where he may travel to next.” His first overseas trip to Turkey and Lebanon in November was largely viewed as a continuation of Pope Francis’s planned engagements in the Middle East. The focus now shifts to Pope Leo’s future travels and statements, as observers seek to understand the evolving direction of his papacy.

Data and Figures

• 33 million+: Number of pilgrims who travelled to Rome for the 2025 Jubilee year.
• 1.4 billion: Approximate number of Catholics worldwide.
• 25 years: The frequency with which the Jubilee year is held by the Catholic Church.

Synthesis

The conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee year signifies not only the end of a period of religious observance but also a pivotal moment in the Catholic Church’s leadership. The transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo, while initially marked by a change in personality, is revealing a continuity of core values – mercy, compassion, and social justice – alongside emerging stances on international issues like the conflicts in Gaza and the political situation in Venezuela. The world’s attention is now focused on Pope Leo’s future actions and pronouncements, as he navigates his role as the first American Pope and shapes the future trajectory of the Catholic Church.