Opening the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve, Pope Francis inaugurates a jubilee year expected to draw 32 million visitors to Rome.

When Pope Francis formally opens the Holy Year, he will launch a dizzying 12-month calendar of events that include special Jubilee masses for the faithful from all walks of life.

Gossip causes destruction while family life and humble service strengthens relationships and brings people closer to Christ, Pope Francis told visitors on Saturday.

Pope Francis, who has just turned 88 and has been suffering from a heavy cold, will lead the regular Sunday Angelus prayer from inside his residence as a precaution, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday.

The Holy Father recalled the popularity of the sport in rural villages in the past and its tendency to help foster a sense of community.

ANALYSIS: Typically, cardinals are assigned to a diocese or a role in the Roman Curia. But due to a variety of circumstances, others may wait years before they’re given some work to do.

Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."

Pope Francis reflected on the devastating consequences of the Gaza war in an address at the Vatican on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the bombing of children in the Gaza Strip the previous day.

Pope Francis, who has been suffering from a heavy cold, will lead the regular Sunday Angelus prayers from his residence as a precaution, the Vatican said in a statement on Saturday. The decision was taken in view of cold weather in Rome and the pope's commitments in the days leading up to Christmas,

The Manila Cathedral was packed on Christmas Eve as a Yuletide concert brought holiday cheer to attendees. The Manila Cathedral Choir, alongside the Philippine Suzuki Youth Orchestra, performed a mix of Tagalog and foreign Christmas songs.

Pope Francis will kick off the 2025 Jubilee of the Catholic Church at 19:00 Italian time on Tuesday, Christmas Eve, by opening the 'Holy Door' of St Peter's Basilica. By walking through the Holy Door over the next 12 months,