Pope Francis opens doors to 'Year of Mercy' in a time of fear

Pope Francis pushes open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, formally launching the Holy Year of Mercy, at the Vatican.﻿ Pope Francis pushes open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, formally launching the Holy Year of Mercy, at the Vatican.﻿ Photo: Gregorio Borgia, STF Photo: Gregorio Borgia, STF Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Pope Francis opens doors to 'Year of Mercy' in a time of fear 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

For months now, Vatican watchers have been talking about the jubilee as one of the biggest events of Pope Francis' pontificate. But what's it all about? Why will millions of pilgrims descend on Rome to walk through a door? With the jubilee underway this week, we take a look at why it's so important and what Catholics can expect from the Holy Year.

Q: What is a jubilee?

A: In the Catholic Church, a jubilee - or a holy year - is a religious event that involves the forgiveness of sins, as well as reconciliation. The idea of a jubilee dates back to the Bible: "And you shall sanctify the fiftieth year, and proclaim freedom throughout the land for all who live on it," Leviticus 25:10. For the ancient Israelites, the jubilee was a time properties were returned to their original owners or legal heirs, slaves were set free and creditors were barred from collecting debts.

Pope Boniface VIII, in 1300, declared the first Christian jubilee, beginning with the opening of the Holy Door, an entrance to St. Peter's Basilica, usually blocked, through which pilgrims can enter. Other holy doors are also opened for this jubilee in Rome and around the world for the first time; the year ends when they are closed.

Q: What is the Jubilee of Mercy all about?

A: Catholic practice has been to mark the jubilee every 25 years, and many expected the next jubilee to commence in 2025. (Pope John Paul II proclaimed a "Great Jubilee" in 2000.) But a pope can proclaim an "extraordinary" jubilee when he deems necessary. The Jubilee of Mercy will end on Nov. 20, 2016.

During a jubilee, Catholics can obtain special indulgences, or remission for their sins, if they fulfill certain conditions and do good works or make pilgrimages.

For example, Francis told priests to forgive repentant women who have had an abortion during the jubilee. While this does not mark a change in church teaching, which still views abortion as a grave sin, it makes it possible for women who have gone through an abortion to participate in church life.

Q: What are the main events?

A: The Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica was opened by Francis on Tuesday, with a series of events including some dedicated to young people, the sick and disabled, prisoners and those involved in works of charity.

Other smaller events are planned before the Holy Door is shut.

The jubilee is expected to draw millions of pilgrims from around the world.

Q: What will the Holy Year achieve?

A: It will call on Catholics to reflect on the theme of mercy and serve as a unifying moment for the church globally. The Vatican has been rocked by scandal since the last jubilee, including revelations of widespread clerical sexual abuse, while it has also struggled to stay relevant to modern-day life.

Rather than pushing church doctrine on people, Francis wants to showcase an inviting faith.

Q: How does this fit into Pope Francis' papacy?

A: Francis has long called for the church to take a more pastoral approach.

Recently, he added: "I continue to say that today the revolution is that of tenderness because from here derives justice and everything else."