The Pope opened the Holy Gates at the Vatican to mark the start of the Jubilee Year

Pope Francis opened the Holy Gates during the solemn night Mass of Christmas in the Vatican Basilica, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Holy Year dedicated to hope. Vatican News reported on December 24.

"Brothers and sisters, on Christmas Day, light from the light of unquenchable hope, with faith we prepare to cross the Holy Gates. The steps of our journey are the steps of the whole Church, wandering on earth and bearing witness to peace," the pontiff said.

Pope Francis held the opening ceremony of the Holy Gates at the Vatican despite being in a wheelchair. The pope's aides accompanied him throughout the rite and helped with mobility.

Before the pontiff entered the main Catholic shrine, the choir recited the Latin formula Haec porta Domini ("Here is the gate of the Lord") with the response Lusti intrabunt in eam ("The just shall enter therein"). Following Pope Francis, 54 pilgrims from around the world entered the basilica.

Catholics around the world celebrate Christmas on December 25. On this day they remember the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Every year on the occasion of the celebration in Europe and other parts of the world are held Christmas events that last until January 1. Fairs, performances and charity events are held in the cities. In the streets they set up creches with manger and figures of the Mother of God and the Christ child, and in the houses they prepare Christmas dinner, the main dish of which is baked turkey. The Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7, which is due to the difference in dates in the calendars adopted by the Catholic and Orthodox churches.