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Over 500k Pilgrims Pass Through St. Peter’s Holy Door Since Christmas Eve

Since its opening on Christmas Eve, more than half a million pilgrims have passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a significant start to the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee by being the first to cross the Holy Door’s threshold on December 24, 2024. Cardinal Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, noted that this large number of pilgrims signifies “a very significant beginning” for the holy year, which will conclude on January 6, 2026.

The Vatican and Italian authorities are preparing to welcome an estimated 30 million visitors to Rome throughout the Jubilee Year. The Dicastery for Evangelization is working diligently to ensure that pilgrims have a fulfilling experience that meets their expectations.

The Jubilee tradition, celebrated since 1300, offers special spiritual, artistic, and cultural events for pilgrims. A key aspect is the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence by passing through a Holy Door. In addition to St. Peter’s Basilica, Holy Doors for the 2025 Jubilee are located at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Rome’s Rebibbia prison.

The first major event of the Jubilee Year is the Jubilee of the World of Communications, scheduled for January 24–26, 2025, which is expected to draw thousands of journalists and media professionals from around the globe.

For the full story, visit EWTN Vatican.

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Mel Gibson Calls ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel “An Acid Trip”

Mel Gibson is back with a bold vision, revealing details about the long-anticipated sequel to The Passion of the Christ—and it’s going to be, as Gibson himself puts it, “an acid trip.” Titled The Resurrection of the Christ, the film picks up where the 2004 epic left off, with Jim Caviezel returning as Jesus, thanks to some CGI de-aging magic.

Gibson, speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience, shared that the script, co-written with his brother Randall Wallace, has been seven years in the making. It’s “super ambitious,” exploring everything from “the fall of the angels to the death of the last apostle.” According to Gibson, that means venturing into realms like Sheol and even hell itself, promising a story that’s anything but ordinary.

While admitting the project will be challenging, Gibson says he’s ready to step up to the plate. “I’m not wholly sure I can pull it off, to tell you the truth,” he confessed. “But I’ll take a crack at it.” With a potential release next year, this promises to be a cinematic experience unlike any other! Stay tuned for updates on this monumental journey.

For the full story, visit Relevant Magazine.

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Conclave Writer Responds to Megyn Kelly’s ‘Anti-Catholic’ Claim

At the 2025 Golden Globes, Conclave screenwriter Peter Straughan responded to Megyn Kelly’s fiery critique calling the film “the most disgusting anti-Catholic film I have seen in a long time.” Straughan countered, saying, “I don’t think the film is anti-Catholic,” emphasizing its message about preserving the Church’s spiritual essence—something he considers deeply Catholic.

Director Edward Berger chimed in, explaining the film wasn’t intended as a “takedown” but as a human portrayal of Church leaders, highlighting their struggles and conscience. He welcomed the debate, noting that controversy can lead to meaningful conversations.

Now streaming on Peacock, Conclave dives into the drama of a papal election, unpacking themes of faith, power, and human imperfection. The film’s take on the Church has sparked heated discussions among viewers and critics alike.

For the full story, visit People.

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Teen Tech Whiz ‘God’s Influencer’ to Be First Millennial Saint

Carlo Acutis, the teen tech whiz dubbed “God’s Influencer,” is on track to become the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Famous for his devotion to the Eucharist and his website cataloging Eucharistic miracles, Carlo’s faith and talent left a lasting impact.

With Pope Francis recognizing a second miracle attributed to his intercession in May 2024, his canonization is now set for April 2025 during the Jubilee of Youth. A modern saint for a digital age, Carlo continues to inspire Catholics worldwide.

For the full story, visit NPR.