This unexpected turn has generated a series of questions that go beyond a simple issue of organization, sparking debates about the tensions between pastoral openness and doctrinal faithfulness.

An Event That Appeared, Disappeared and Might Reappear? 

The episode began when Christian LGBT associations, under the auspices of “Jonathan’s Tent,” announced that their pilgrimage had been included in the Jubilee’s official program. However, a few days later, the event disappeared from the calendar published on the event’s official site.

The Vatican’s explanations have not been altogether consistent. Agnese Palmussi, member of the Jubilee’s communication team, assured that the elimination was due to the lack of specific information by the organizers, such as the number of participants and logistical details. Nevertheless, the doubt remains: why was the event approved initially without this information? And, even more important, why was it not left pending rather than eliminating it?

A Debate That Goes Beyond The Logistics

The heart of the controversy doesn’t lie in the logistics, but in the symbolic and theological implications. The problem isn’t that LGBT people take part in the Jubilee events – a fact that doesn’t generate opposition – but that it is included officially in organizations that promote an LGBT identity narrative, which is incompatible with the Church’s traditional teaching on sexuality.

The presence of these associations poses fundamental questions about how the Vatican addresses the questions of sexual identity and orientation within the faith. Is it a gesture of pastoral openness to people that seek to reconcile their faith with their identity? Or is it a concession that could be interpreted as an implicit doctrinal change?

Internal Tensions and Critical Voices

According to sources close to the Vatican, the initial publication of the event unleashed significant tensions within the Curia, which led to its sudden elimination. This incident has highlighted the internal division about how to manage topics related to the LGBT community. For some, the initial inclusion represented a welcome gesture coherent with the spirit of Pope Francis’ pontificate. For others, it was a dangerous concession that diluted the traditional teaching.

What Next? 

Although the Vatican has tried to calm the waters, promising a possible reincorporation of the event after receiving the requested details, the debate is far from over. At stake is not only the organization of a calendar, but the more profound question about how the Church addresses the challenges of a changing world without compromising her theological foundations.

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While the vice-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, sought to frame this event as one among many within the broader Jubilee calendar, his message was clear: “All are welcome.” Vatican representatives have emphasized that the inclusion does not equate to sponsorship of specific events, reflecting a careful balancing act within the Church’s approach to contentious issues.

A Vision of Inclusion 

The initiative was spearheaded by “Tenda di Gionata” (Jonathan’s Tent), a group inspired by the late Don David Esposito, who envisioned Christian communities embracing Isaiah’s call to “enlarge the tent” to make room for all, especially those marginalized by discrimination. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has sought to foster spaces of welcome and support for LGBT individuals and their families within the Church.

This groundbreaking inclusion has reportedly received blessings not only from Pope Francis but also from Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. Their support has fueled both enthusiasm and skepticism, even as secular LGBT groups voice cautious optimism.

A Broader Conversation 

Gabriele Piazzoni, secretary-general of Arcigay, Italy’s largest LGBT advocacy group, celebrated the initiative as a step toward dismantling barriers to spiritual life for LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, others, such as Roberta Parigiani of the Trans Identity Movement, urged that this gesture go beyond symbolic acknowledgment, calling for consistent, everyday actions of inclusion.

Rosario Coco, president of Gaynet, extended a challenge to the Church: to leverage the Jubilee as an opportunity to clearly condemn conversion practices and global criminalization of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

A Spiritual Journey 

The program for the September 6 celebration includes an evening vigil, a pilgrimage through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, and a Mass at the Church of the Gesù, a historic Jesuit site in central Rome that has long supported LGBT pastoral efforts. Families, pastoral workers, and members of rainbow associations will join in prayer and reflection.

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* * *

Immaculate Virgin,

Mother, Immaculate Mother,

today is your feast and we gather around you.

The flowers we offer you intend to express 

our love and gratitude;

but you see and appreciate above all those hidden flowers

that are the prayers, sighs, including tears,

especially the tears of the little ones and of the poor.

Look at them, Mother, look at them. 

Our Mother, Rome is preparing for a new Jubilee,

which will be a message of hope for humanity,

tested by crises and wars.

Therefore, there are works underway in all parts of the city:

this, you know, causes quite a few inconveniences,

but it is a sign that Rome is alive,

that Rome is being renewed, that Rome intends to adapt to the needs,

to be more welcoming and more functional.

But your Mother’s gaze sees beyond,

and it seems to me I hear her voice

that says to us wisely: ‘My children,

these works are well and good but, be careful:

do not forget the works of the soul!

The true Jubilee is within:

within, within your hearts, you say,

within family and social relationships.

It is within where we must work to prepare

the way of the Lord who is coming.

And it is a good occasion

to make a good Confession

and to ask pardon for all sins.

God forgives all, God forgives always.

Mary Immaculate, we thank you!

This recommendation of yours does us good,

we need it so much because, unintentionally,

we run the risk of remaining totally trapped

by organization, by the things we have to do,

and then the grace of the Holy Year,

which is a time of spiritual renewal, which is a time for forgiveness and of social liberation,

this grace of the Jubilee cannot have a happy outcome,

can remain somewhat suffocated.

But here the Mayor is preparing everything so that, this commemoration,

in this Holy Year, will have a good outcome. Let us pray for the Mayor who has so much work.

No doubt, Mary, you were present

in the synagogue of Nazareth

that day in which Jesus preached for the first time

to the people of His land.

He read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because He has anointed me to

preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release

to the captives

and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are

oppressed.

To proclaim the acceptable year of

the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).

Then He sat down and said: “Today this scripture has

been fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 22).

And You, Mother, were there, in the midst of the astonished people.

You were proud of Him, of your Son,

and, at the same time, you foresaw the drama

of the closure and envy, which generates violence.

You went through this drama

and always do so, with your Immaculate Heart

full of love of the Heart of Jesus.

Mother, free us of envy:

may we all be brothers who love one another.

No envy. Envy, that ugly yellow vice,

that ruins within. 

And today also, Mother, you repeat to us:

“Listen to Jesus, listen to Him!

Listen to Him and do whatever He tells you” (cf. John 2:5).

Thank you, Holy Mother! Thank you because in this time poor in hope, you still give us Jesus, our Hope. Thank you, Mother.

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A Time-Honored Ritual 

Led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the event began with a solemn prayer before Vatican masons, known as sampietrini, carefully dismantled the wall sealing the Holy Door from within the basilica. The wall, untouched since the closure of the last Holy Year in 2016, gave way to reveal a sealed metal box embedded within.

With reverence, the cardinal and his entourage carried the box in a candlelit procession, chanting the Litany of Saints. Their path led to the Altar of the Confession and then to the Chapter Hall, where the box was opened to unveil its contents.

Sacred Artifacts Unearthed 

The box revealed items rich in spiritual and historical significance:

– The Key: Essential for unlocking the Holy Door on December 24.

– Golden Handles: Integral to the door itself.

– The Rogito Scroll: Documenting the door’s sealing after the 2016 Jubilee of Mercy.

– Golden Bricks: Symbolic tokens from the Holy Door’s previous closure.

– Medals: Commemorating the pontificates of Popes Francis, Benedict XVI, and John Paul II.

These items, laden with meaning, were presented to Pope Francis, underscoring the seamless continuity of papal leadership and the Church’s enduring mission.

Preparing for the Jubilee 

The Jubilee, a special year of grace and renewal, draws millions of pilgrims from across the world. The Holy Door’s opening at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve will be the first of several such ceremonies. The doors of other major basilicas—St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major—will also undergo their respective recognitio rites in the coming weeks.

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A Revolution in Transparency and Protection

The new glass system, replacing its predecessor from 1973, is a marvel of engineering and design. Composed of nine advanced anti-shatter, bullet-resistant panels, it not only ensures heightened security but also provides unparalleled visual clarity. The replacement became essential due to the previous glass’s gradual loss of transparency and structural integrity over five decades.

Alberto Capitanucci, head of the technical team at the Fabbrica di San Pietro, explained that the updated system was meticulously designed to combine enhanced visibility with robust mechanical performance. Each panel, now 24.5 millimeters thick compared to the previous 19 millimeters, can withstand up to 26 hammer strikes, ensuring optimal protection against potential threats.

Moreover, the redesign has expanded the visible surface area, increasing the height and width of the glass panels. Visitors can now enjoy a «free view» of the sculpture with a 100% improvement in openness compared to the previous configuration.

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The project, funded by a coalition of Italian companies and benefactors, reflects a harmonious balance between innovation and historical preservation. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, highlighted the spiritual significance of the work, emphasizing the sculpture’s role in inspiring peace and reconciliation.

“In today’s turbulent world, this masterpiece offers a profound message of hope,” Gambetti remarked. “The Virgin Mary presenting her son to humanity symbolizes the pathway to unity and harmony.”

Illuminating Michelangelo’s Masterpiece

The revitalization extends beyond the glass. The chapel now boasts a state-of-the-art lighting system, donated by Italian company iGuzzini. Designed to minimize glare and enhance the sculpture’s details, the new lighting accentuates the emotional depth of Michelangelo’s Pietà. This marble depiction of the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Christ, sculpted between 1498 and 1499, is the only work signed by the artist and remains a cornerstone of Renaissance artistry.

Preservation Amid Restoration

The restoration efforts weren’t limited to the Pietà. Scaffolding erected for the glass installation also allowed conservators to repair Giovanni Lanfranco’s 17th-century frescoes adorning the chapel’s ceiling. These rare Vatican frescoes, depicting scenes of Christ’s Passion and the Exaltation of the Cross, have been meticulously preserved, ensuring that every element of the chapel continues to inspire awe.

A Legacy of Security and Beauty

The original glass barrier was installed following a 1972 attack on the Pietà that left the Virgin’s face and arm damaged. This tragic event prompted the Vatican to take unprecedented measures to safeguard the sculpture. The new installation builds on this legacy, offering modern-day pilgrims a closer, unobstructed connection with the artwork while maintaining stringent security standards.

As the Jubilee Year approaches, the revitalized Pietà Chapel stands as a testament to the Vatican’s commitment to merging innovation with reverence. Visitors from around the globe can now gaze upon Michelangelo’s masterpiece in a setting that celebrates both its artistic brilliance and its spiritual resonance.

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Celebration of Youthful Holiness

The canonizations will spotlight the vitality of youth within the Church. Carlo Acutis, often called the «influencer of holiness,» will be canonized during the “Teenagers’ Jubilee” from April 25 to 27. Known for his deep love of the Eucharist and expertise in computer science, the young Italian left a legacy of faith expressed in modern ways.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, a Turin-born student, alpinist, and advocate for the poor, will follow during the “Youth Jubilee” from July 28 to August 3. Often referred to as the «man of the Beatitudes,» Frassati lived a life rooted in prayer, service, and joy—a testament to faith as an adventure. His canonization comes a century after his death, continuing to inspire generations to live with courage and compassion.

A Day for the Children of the World

The announcement coincided with the International Day for the Rights of the Child, where Pope Francis also introduced a major upcoming event: the “World Meeting on Children’s Rights”. Scheduled for February 3 in Vatican City, the gathering will bring together experts, activists, and global leaders to address the plight of children suffering from war, exploitation, and neglect.

In a touching moment during the audience, children in yellow caps, representing various Catholic schools and peace organizations, rushed to greet the Pope on the basilica’s steps. Their joyful interaction underscored the urgency of protecting young lives. «The future of the world lies with the smallest among us,» the Pope remarked, highlighting the Church’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the dignity of every child.

Holiness in Action: The Lives of Acutis and Frassati

Carlo Acutis, who passed away in 2006 at just 15, gained widespread recognition for creating an online catalog of Eucharistic miracles. His bishop in Assisi, Domenico Sorrentino, called him “a ray of light for young people” and noted the providential timing of his canonization during the Jubilee, which celebrates renewal and hope.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, who died at 24 in 1925, left a legacy of service that resonated deeply even in his short life. A member of Catholic Action and other faith-based groups, he balanced rigorous spiritual devotion with an adventurous spirit. Saint John Paul II, who beatified him in 1990, described him as a model for those striving to integrate faith and action.

Resonating with the Modern World

The Church views these two saints as bridges to contemporary youth. Acutis and Frassati exemplify a faith that is not confined to the past but thrives in digital innovation and social responsibility. Their canonizations aim to inspire young Catholics to see holiness as accessible and relevant.

In a statement, Catholic Action Italy celebrated Frassati’s legacy, emphasizing his ability to counter apathy with a life of dynamic engagement. “His rule of life, ‘to get involved,’ is a call against indifference—a way to connect with the world through faith and action,” the group wrote.

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“A Jubilee of Solidarity and Shelter»

With the Jubilee beginning on December 24, Pope Francis framed his appeal as a spiritual and moral imperative. He called on Church-owned properties to be leveraged for the common good, emphasizing the necessity of “charitable and solidarity-driven gestures that generate hope for the thousands of people in Rome who lack stable housing or risk losing their homes.”

The Pope’s message stressed that the Church’s mission is not confined to welcoming pilgrims but must extend to serving the vulnerable:  “God’s love generates hope, and His love passes through us,” he wrote, quoting Blessed Don Pino Puglisi: “God always loves through someone.”

A Moral Foundation for Human Dignity

Central to Pope Francis’s message was the Church’s social teaching on human dignity. He reiterated the importance of three inalienable rights: land, housing, and work, which he has frequently highlighted as the foundation of human dignity. Calling on diocesan leaders to make “bold gestures of love for neighbor,” he asked those with unused properties or vacant apartments to put them to use for the benefit of the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Practical and Bureaucratic Challenges

While the letter stirred hope among Church and community leaders, it also highlighted a complex reality. Properties within Italy are subject to the nation’s housing regulations, including zoning and tenant laws, which could complicate the Church’s ability to provide immediate relief. Experts warn that bureaucratic hurdles may delay or limit the effectiveness of the initiative.

Despite these challenges, the Pope’s letter directs those willing to respond to contact Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Vicariate General of the Diocese of Rome. This step aims to streamline efforts and coordinate with civil authorities.

A Broader Vision for the Jubilee Year

The Pope’s call aligns with his vision for a Jubilee rooted in action and service, rather than mere celebration. By addressing housing precarity, Francis seeks to tie the spiritual renewal of the Jubilee to the tangible promotion of human dignity. His appeal reinforces the Church’s role as a force for social transformation, particularly in its home city.

As Rome prepares to welcome millions of pilgrims, the Pope’s call to action serves as a reminder that the spirit of the Jubilee must extend beyond its festivities to embrace those in need. Whether this ambitious vision will surmount the legal and logistical challenges remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the Church must lead with courage and compassion.

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“Sport in Motion – What Is Essential Is Invisible to the Eyes” is the theme of the international photography competition, promoted by the Dicastery for Culture and Education in the framework of the Jubilee and directed by youths younger than 25. The competition includes five “categories”: “Sport and Hope”, “Sport and Family”, ”Sport and Ecology”, “Sport and Disability” and “Sport and Politics”.

Basis to Participate

Until April 30, any young person who wishes to participate can send unpublished photographs — not altered by using Artificial Intelligence and taken after 2020 — to the following e-mail address: sportinmotion@dce.va.

Participation is for free and open to all, including non-professionals. For additional information and the basis of the competition see the Webpage of the Dicastery for Culture and Education: www.dce.va.

The Winners Will Be Able to Meet Pope Francis

The 13 winning photographs (one for the theme Sport and Hope and three for each of the four categories)  will be made known on Saturday, June 14, on the occasion of the Sports Jubilee.

The winners will meet with the Holy Father, visit the Vatican Museums, specifically from the perspective of the artistic experience and will see their photographs disseminated through the Vatican media, pointed out the Dicastery. .

Statements of the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education

The objective of the competition is to join three words that are not always as close as they should be: sport-youth-art,” explained Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education. The initiative is proposed as “an artistic platform — photography — through which young people can have hope of and in sport ”living it as a place of hope,” manifesting as well “its educational dimension, the unity between culture and education.”

Hence, the competition is a proposal to young people, particularly implicated in the practice, language and images of sport so that they “become producers of art and not only consumers of art” and “can tell the reality through their eyes, seeing what the adults are not always able to see, showing the ”essential that is invisible to the eyes” (The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry).”

Specifically inserted in the central theme of “hope,” the competition’s four “categories” (family, ecology, disability and politics) propose a complete and multifaceted vision of the sports experience. Woven with values ​​embodied in human stories of redemption and fraternity, sacrifice and loyalty, team spirit and inclusion, as in an ever new Canticle of Creatures that is a proposal of peace, but also debilitated by “corruption, violence, doping and racism.”

Giovanni Zenoni: Godfather of the Competition

Giovani Zenoni, born in 2002, is a young sports and photography fan, who spends the greater part of his time behind a camera’s objective. Some of his shots were selected as sports photographs of the year in the categories of “Cycling” in 2022, “Aquatics” in 2023 and he received two special mentions in the category of “Winter Sports” in 2024. He was included among the 10 best “Youth Reporters Younger than 30” of the International Sports Press Association and won the “Promising Young Man“ prize of the National Union of Sports Veterans. He collaborates with various renown agencies and brands, and his photographs have already been published in the main national and international newspapers and magazines.

In addition to being the competition’s godfather, Giovanni Zenoni will form part of the jury of the same and will also take some photos on the occasion of the Sports Jubilee.

With information from the Dicastery for Culture and Education and Vatican Media

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Dressed in a bright yellow raincoat with blue hair, muddy boots, and a rainbow-colored rosary, Luce is accompanied by three friends, each named to reflect core values of the Jubilee. Together, Luce, Faith, Xin, and Sky sport the Jubilee’s red, green, and blue colors and represent the diversity of the Church’s global message.

 

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Vatican Aims to Bridge Generational Gaps through Pop Culture

Luce and her companions are part of a Vatican initiative to tap into contemporary pop culture in order to resonate with younger audiences. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and a lead organizer of the Jubilee, hopes that the mascot’s appearances at events like the Lucca Comics & Games convention in Italy and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, will allow the Church to connect with youth on topics central to the Jubilee message, such as hope and resilience. He emphasized the Church’s intention to “live within the pop culture beloved by our youth.”

The Jubilee mascot reflects a new approach for the Vatican, aiming to convey messages of hope and inclusion in a style that younger generations recognize. “Through Luce, we hope to foster meaningful dialogue with young people and speak to them about the importance of hope in today’s world,” Fisichella stated.

From Comics to the Vatican: Artist Simone Legno’s Unique Influence

Simone Legno, co-founder of the popular Tokidoki brand, is behind the design of Luce and her friends. Known internationally for his Japanese-inspired artwork, Legno has collaborated with iconic brands like Marvel, Barbie, and Hello Kitty. His career in character design has brought him to the global stage, and he will be representing Italy in the same upcoming Osaka World Expo 2025 through his character Italia Chan, another widely acclaimed design unveiled at Milan Design Week.

Raised in a Catholic family in Rome, Legno spoke of his roots in the press release, expressing his desire for Luce to echo “the feelings and values that resonate with younger generations.” However, Tokidoki has sometimes raised eyebrows for its participation in LGBTQ+ pride initiatives, leading some Catholics to question the choice. Yet for Fisichella and Legno, Luce represents a bridge between faith and the digital age, underscoring the Church’s readiness to speak in the visual language of today’s youth.

 

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A Continuing Conversation within the Church

This move aligns with other recent Vatican efforts to communicate inclusively, albeit sometimes stirring controversy. In 2022, social media accounts for the Synod on Synodality posted images featuring a person in a rainbow-themed “pride” shirt and another woman dressed as a priest, sparking varied reactions among Catholics. The images prompted Cardinal Mario Grech to emphasize the Church’s role as “a listening church,” suggesting that such imagery aimed to demonstrate openness and dialogue.

As Luce and her companions prepare for a year of symbolism and storytelling, the Vatican’s 2025 Jubilee will likely be a test of the Church’s capacity to engage younger audiences and address modern cultural shifts—all while maintaining its core messages of faith, hope, and inclusivity. Through Luce, the Vatican sends a colorful signal: the Church is ready to journey alongside today’s youth, in both faith and culture.

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The Holy Door opening, set to be accompanied by a festive bell concert by the Pontifical Bell Foundry Marinelli, carries a significant message. “Bells are a cherished sound for the people, and in this context, they serve as a joyful announcement for an eagerly anticipated event,” noted Fisichella. Pope Francis will personally cross the threshold first, setting an example for the faithful to “experience the joy of encountering Christ, our hope,” he explained.

In a further gesture of compassion, Pope Francis will visit the Rebibbia prison on December 26, opening a Holy Door there as well, a symbolic act to extend hope to incarcerated individuals globally.

 Cultural and Musical Prelude to the Jubilee

Ahead of the official Jubilee opening, the Vatican has organized a series of cultural and musical gatherings. On November 3, the first of these events will feature a performance of Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony at the Auditorium Conciliazione, led by conductor Jader Bignamini. Later, on December 22, the Sistine Chapel Choir will perform polyphonic pieces by Renaissance composer Palestrina at the Church of St. Ignatius, in honor of his upcoming 500th birth anniversary. These concerts aim to celebrate the universal appeal of sacred music and enrich the spiritual atmosphere leading up to the Jubilee.

Art Exhibits: Celebrating Faith Through Iconic Artworks

Several high-profile art exhibits will highlight the Jubilee’s themes of hope and unity. On November 27, Rome will host Marc Chagall’s renowned “White Crucifixion” at the Palazzo Cipolla, marking the first time this piece has come to Italy. Additionally, the Borromini Sacristy in the Church of St. Agnes in Piazza Navona will display a rare collection of Eastern Christian icons on loan from the Vatican Museums from December 16 to February 2025. These “icons of hope,” sourced from Greece, Bulgaria, and beyond, represent diverse Christian traditions, underscoring the Jubilee’s message of peace and brotherhood.

Another exhibit will feature the annual “100 Cribs” display from December 8 to January 6, 2025. This year’s theme honors the city of Rome, drawing visitors to contemplate the universality of Christ’s birth through a variety of nativity scenes. 

Vatican’s Showcase at Expo 2025 in Osaka

As part of its Jubilee presence, the Holy See will participate in Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. At the Vatican’s pavilion, the centerpiece will be Caravaggio’s “Deposition,” on loan from the Vatican Museums for six months. Selected personally by Pope Francis, the masterpiece captures themes of resurrection and beauty amid suffering. The artwork aligns with the Expo’s theme, “Beauty Brings Hope,” reinforcing the Vatican’s message of resilience and spirituality.

Notably, the Vatican’s Expo pavilion will feature contributions from prominent Japanese artists, including sculptor Etsuro Sotoo and manga artist Kan Takahama. This collaboration signifies the Vatican’s commitment to engaging diverse cultures and artistic forms in conveying the universal message of hope.

Jubilee Mascot “Luce”: Bridging Tradition with Modernity

In a playful nod to popular culture, the Vatican introduced “Luce,” the Jubilee mascot designed by Italian artist Simone Legno. Luce embodies the modern pilgrim, complete with a yellow raincoat, a mission cross, and a pilgrim’s staff, symbolizing the journey of hope. Her vibrant eyes, representing the light of faith, serve as a relatable symbol for younger generations, connecting traditional spiritual themes with contemporary pop culture.

As preparations continue, the Vatican’s online Jubilee calendar and app will guide visitors in navigating this exceptional year. Divided into categories like “Pilgrimage,” “Cultural Event,” and “Major Event,” the digital resources aim to make the Jubilee accessible and memorable for pilgrims worldwide.

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