It is a continuation of tradition, because he explains this in his document, it is completely traditional. He recalls the concept of the Jubilee in the Old Testament, where God granted years of Jubilee to forgive debts, to free slaves, and so on. In both the Old and New Testaments, as well as in the Church, the Jubilee has a spiritual meaning: the forgiveness of debts, not merely material ones, but spiritual sins and the consequences of our sins, which can be reduced or removed through indulgences.
The primary and most important aim of a Jubilee year is reconciliation with God: conversion and penance. It is a year of deep spiritual life and pilgrimage. Pilgrimage, in the traditional understanding and practice, was always associated with penance. It was never a touristic trip people would truly walk to Rome or other sacred places. It was difficult, and they accepted it as a form of penance for their sins and as an act of reparation.
Therefore, we should approach this in the same spirit: a spirit of reparation, conversion, and of imploring many graces for the Church, and for ourselves. In this sense, Pope Francis has established the Jubilee in the same way that tradition has always done.
Dear visitors of Gloria Dei and all who have already written or who will write a personal message to me. I am grateful for your attention, your kindness, for your spiritual support and especially for your sacrifices and prayers for me. God may reward you!
