VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis kicked off the 2025 Holy Year on Tuesday , 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.

Continuing an ancient church tradition, Pope Francis on Christmas Eve officially opened the 2025 Jubilee — a year dedicated to the service of prisoners, poor people and victims of war.

Pope Francis said the story of Jesus' birth as a poor carpenter's son should instil hope that all people can make an impact on the world, as the pontiff on Tuesday led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas.