Vatican City, Dec 5, 2015 / 08:13 am
The Vatican has announced Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI will take part in the official inauguration of the Jubilee of Mercy with the opening of the Holy Door on Dec. 8.
The retired pontiff "accepted the invitation of Pope Francis to attend the opening of the Holy Door" in St. Peter's Basilica, Holy See press office director, Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ. said Dec. 5.
He added that Benedict XVI would not take part in the whole ceremony, but said he would be "present in the Basilica Atrium on the occasion of the right of opening," following the Eucharistic celebration.
This will be the first time the Holy Door has been opened since the Great Jubilee in the 2000 called for by St. John Paul II.