Pope Francis crossed the Tiber River on June 10th to visit the Capitoline Assembly, invited by Rome's Mayor in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year.  

"I come to meet you and, through you, the entire city, which almost since its birth, about 2,800 years ago, has had a clear and constant vocation of universality," the Pope noted.  

After being heralded by trumpets at Capitoline Square, the Pope delivered his speech in the Hall of Flags. Before the ceremony, he and Mayor Roberto Gualtieri signed the Book of Honor and exchanged gifts.  

In his address, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Holy See and the Municipality and praised the city's preparations for pilgrims. He announced his intention to open a Holy Door in one of Rome's prisons during the Jubilee Year.  

"Rome is a city with a universal spirit," Pope Francis said. "This spirit aims to serve charity, hospitality, and welcome. Pilgrims, tourists, migrants, those in great difficulty, the poorest, the lonely, the sick, prisoners, the excluded—these should be the truest witnesses of this spirit. For this reason, I decided to open a Holy Door in a prison."  

Pope Francis concluded by encouraging Rome to continue showcasing its welcoming and noble character. He called for strengthened cooperation among governing bodies to honor the city's providential role and expressed his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani.  

Adapted by Jacob Stein