Pope opens Holy Door at Rome prison, making history

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 26 - 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 the second Holy Door I open to be here at a prison," said the pope, who kicked off the 'Jubilee of Hope' by opening the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica on Tuesday, Christmas Eve.
    The Argentine pontiff said he wanted everyone to "have the opportunity to fling open the doors to their hearts and to understand that hope never disappoints.
    "I like to think of hope as the anchor that is on the shore and, with the rope, we are safe.
    "Do not lose hope: this is the message I want to give you, to give all of us, me the first because hope never disappoints".
    In the coming days, holy doors will also be opened at the Italian capital's three other major basilicas - Saint John Lateran, Saint.Mary Major and Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
    By walking through a Holy Door over the next 12 months, Catholics will be able to obtain a 'plenary indulgence' for their sins.
    The Jubilee, which features a rich programme of shows, conferences, concerts and religious events, is expected to bring over 30 million pilgrims to Rome. (ANSA).