Welcome to the official announcement of the JUBILEE OF HOPE by Pope Francis!
On May 9, 2024, with the publication of the Bull Spes non confundit (“Hope does not disappoint,” Rom 5:5), Pope Francis called upon the Catholic Church to celebrate this special event.
This Jubilee of Hope offers a unique opportunity to renew our connection with God, our relationships with others, and our role in society, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The celebrations for this Jubilee will commence on December 24 with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by similar events in other important cathedrals in Rome. The year will culminate with the closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on January 6, 2026.
The tradition of jubilees in the Catholic Church draws inspiration from the sabbatical and jubilee years observed in Old Testament Israel. These years were marked by rest, forgiveness of debts, and liberation of slaves, reflecting God’s grace and mercy.
This special year is a time for grace, salvation, justice, and peace, echoing the message of Jesus as Good News for the poor and oppressed.
Historically, jubilees have been celebrated in the Church since 1300, offering opportunities for repentance, prayer, and forgiveness of sins through indulgences.
Pope Francis has chosen the theme of hope for this Jubilee, emphasizing the importance of hope in our lives and in the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to be bearers of hope in a world filled with despair.
Let us embrace this Jubilee as a time to build a world of hope, justice, and love for all. May our actions reflect the message of salvation, healing, and liberation that Jesus brings.
Join us in making the Jubilee of Hope a transformative and impactful event for all, spreading hope to those in need and creating a better future for everyone.
As Pope Francis reminds us, “Let us even now be drawn to this hope! Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.”
Author: Mario J. Paredes, Board of Directors, Academy of Catholic Leaders, New York.
