Pope Francis made a visit on Thursday to one of the largest prison complexes in Italy, opening a special "Holy Door" for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, in what the Vatican said was the first such action by a Catholic pontiff.

Pope Francis made history by opening a 'Holy Door' at Italy's Rebibbia prison for the 2025 Catholic Church jubilee, symbolising hope and redemption. He urged for prisoner reintegration and the abolition of the death penalty,

ROME -- Pope Francis inaugurated his Holy Year at Rome’s main prison on Thursday, bringing a message of hope to inmates and involving them in the Catholic Church’s once every quarter-century celebration that is expected to bring about 32 million pilgrims to Rome.