Pope Francis will preside over a Holy Mass on December 24 in St. Peter’s Square to inaugurate the Holy Jubilee Year of 2025, themed "Pilgrims of Hope." The pope's solemn Bull of Indiction quotes St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans: “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom. 5:5), highlighting hope as central to Christian life. Pope Francis writes, “Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring” (Spes non confundit, 1).

The Jubilee Year emphasizes gratitude for hope and calls for increased prayer and devotion to strengthen this virtue. It draws on ancient traditions from Leviticus, where jubilee was celebrated every 50 years with measures like property restoration and freeing slaves to maintain social equilibrium.

The Jubilee Year serves as a reminder of dependence on God amidst a culture focused on self-importance. It encourages thanksgiving and reflection on occasions when personal priorities have overshadowed divine or neighborly concerns.

An essential aspect is seeking forgiveness and repentance through the Jubilee Indulgence—a special grant removing temporal punishment for sins. To receive it, individuals must be repentant, unattached to sin, receive Holy Communion and penance, pray for the pope's intentions, and perform acts such as pilgrimages.

In Cincinnati's Archdiocese, three sites are designated for Jubilee Pilgrimage: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, Shrine of the Holy Relics at Maria Stein, and Emmanuel Catholic Church in Dayton. Visits here can contribute towards receiving the indulgence.

Faithful are encouraged to seize this opportunity during the Holy Year 2025 by praying together as "Pilgrims of Hope."