Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church during the Christmas Eve Mass by symbolically opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging believers to bring hope to war-torn regions. While Rome saw pilgrims flocking for forgiveness, Bethlehem experienced a subdued Christmas amid ongoing violence. In Syria, Christians protested for religious freedom following a Christmas tree burning in Hama, raising fears over their ability to practice faith freely. The Pope emphasized active efforts in spreading hope and reconciliation during these challenging times.