Pope Leo Concludes Holy Year, Encouraging Compassion for the Vulnerable

Pope Leo officially concluded the Catholic Church’s Holy Year on Tuesday at the Vatican, marking the end of an extraordinary time for prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage. In sealing the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, he delivered an emphatic message urging Christians worldwide to express kindness, particularly towards foreigners and those in distress.

Known as a Jubilee, this Holy Year occurs approximately every 25 years and represents a significant time for forgiveness, peace, and spiritual rejuvenation. During this period, pilgrims had the opportunity to pass through designated Holy Doors at major churches in Rome, as well as participate in papal events. This year’s Holy Year welcomed around 33.5 million pilgrims, making it one of the most attended in recent history.

During the closing ceremony, Pope Leo cautioned against viewing individuals merely as tools for commercial gain. He noted that contemporary society frequently reduces human journeys, travel, and hope to mere economic transactions. He urged everyone to contemplate the lessons learned throughout the Holy Year and to perceive neighbors in foreigners and seekers in strangers.

Care for migrants has been a key focus of Pope Leo’s early papacy. In his speech, he challenged Christians to transcend borders and fears, advocating for a response rooted in compassion. He emphasized that faith should propel believers into action, particularly in aiding the impoverished, displaced, or those aspiring for a better existence.

This Holy Year closing is also significant for another reason: it was inaugurated by Pope Francis and concluded by Pope Leo, a transition not witnessed in over 300 years. Following the passing of Pope Francis in April after a 12-year leadership, Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, aims to uphold many of Francis’ key initiatives.

Pilgrims attending the Jubilee hailed from 185 countries, with prominent numbers from Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil, and Poland. Vatican officials noted that the event highlighted the expansive reach of the Catholic Church and a collective yearning for peace and renewal.

Looking ahead, the following regular Holy Year is anticipated not to occur until 2033, marking 2,000 years since the death of Jesus. Until then, Pope Leo encouraged believers to embody the spirit of the Holy Year in their everyday lives by embracing kindness over fear and care over profit.