Pope Francis kicks off year-long Jubilee

Pope Francis delivers the Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day blessing from the main balcony of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Francis has kicked off the 2025 Holy Year, inaugurating a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome in a test of the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them.

From his wheelchair, Francis knocked a few times and the great Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica swung open on Tuesday.