As the new year begins, Pope Francis finds himself as the oldest reigning pope since the early 1900s and the third oldest in history. With a full slate of papal liturgies and meetings scheduled, as well as various important events and trips, 2024 promises to be a busy year for the Holy Father.
Despite celebrating his 87th birthday in mid-December, Pope Francis remains dedicated to his papal duties. His initial calendar for 2024 includes the essential events that he will preside over. These events range from liturgical celebrations to meetings with bishops and other religious figures.
One significant event on the calendar is the “ad limina” visits by bishops. These visits are an opportunity for bishops to meet with the pope and report on the state of their dioceses. It allows the pope to have a firsthand understanding of the challenges and successes of the Church in different parts of the world.
Another notable event is the canonization of Argentina’s first female saint. This is a momentous occasion for the Church, as it recognizes the holiness and impact of women in the life of the Church. Pope Francis, being from Argentina himself, holds a special connection to this event.
The Synod of Bishops on synodality is also set to conclude in October. This synod, which began in 2023, focuses on the theme of synodality and aims to explore ways in which the Church can better involve the faithful in decision-making processes. Pope Francis has been a strong advocate for synodality and hopes that this synod will bring about positive changes in the Church.
Despite having to cancel his scheduled trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, due to health concerns, Pope Francis remains hopeful about his plans for papal trips in 2024. While the specific countries have not been mentioned, the pope has expressed his desire to visit at least three countries. These trips serve as opportunities for the pope to connect with the faithful, promote dialogue, and address important global issues.
As the year draws to a close, the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica will be opened on December 24, marking the start of the Holy Year 2025. This jubilee year, usually held every 25 years, is a time of special celebrations and pilgrimages. It also emphasizes the importance of conversion and repentance, offering special opportunities for the faithful to experience God’s grace through the sacraments, particularly confession.
In addition to St. Peter’s Basilica, the other major basilicas of Rome also have Holy Doors, which are typically bricked up. However, for the jubilee year, these doors will be opened, inviting pilgrims to enter and participate in the jubilee celebrations.
Overall, Pope Francis’ calendar for 2024 is packed with significant events and important trips. The Holy Father remains committed to his role as the leader of the Catholic Church, despite his age. As he continues to carry out his papal duties, he brings his message of love, mercy, and compassion to the faithful around the world.