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.

"I wanted all of us, inside or out, to have an opportunity to throw open the doors of our hearts and understand that hope does not disappoint."

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,