Pope Francis made a symbolic gesture at one in all Italy’s largest prisons on Thursday that could be a first for any pontiff, studies the Guardian. Francis visited Rebibbia jail exterior Rome, the place he opened what the church calls a “holy door.” During the 12 months, Francis will open 5 such doorways—they’re usually sealed shut the remainder of the time—as a part of the church’s Jubilee 12 months, marked each 25 years. He opened one other door on Christmas Eve at a extra conventional locale, St. Peter’s Basilica, permitting the devoted to stream into the basilica. Thursday was the primary time any pope has opened such a door at a jail.
“I needed the second holy door I open to be right here at a jail,” stated the pope, per the AP. “I needed every of us right here, inside and outside, to have the opportunity of throwing open the door of our hearts and understanding that hope does not disappoint.” The outlet notes that Francis plans to place an emphasis on the well-being of prisoners all year long. “Hold onto the rope of hope, maintain onto the anchor,” he stated in his jail sermon. “Never let it go.” (More Pope Francis tales.)
