After hosting the summer Olympics earlier this year, France this weekend will mark one of the most significant events of the century with the reopening of its famed Cathedral of Notre Dame, five years after vast portions were destroyed in a fire.

As the whole world awaits the reopening of Notre Dame, for those present inside the cathedral for the “grand réouverture,” it will be even more of a special moment.

Pilgrims passing through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica during the Holy Year 2025, going to confession, receiving Communion and praying for the intentions of the pope can receive an indulgence, but so can inmates in prison and those who work to defend human life or assist migrants and refugees.

The world was left stunned when the first images of the rebuilt Notre Dame were published and spread with viral speed as President Emmanuel Macron walked through the bright, unrecognizably beautiful Parisian cathedral on Nov. 29, a week ahead of the Dec. 7-8 official reopening.

With the opening of the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis’ schedule of liturgies in December and January has expanded.

The devastating images — whether viewed from the banks of the Seine River in Paris or on millions of glowing screens around the world — stunned onlookers. Many wept, clutching tissues to smoke- and sorrow-reddened eyes, others prayed aloud or in silence, some even sung hymns.

Calling recent attacks on Jewish soccer fans in Amsterdam “horrifying,” Bishop Robert Brennan condemned the violence and issued a call for prayers for peace.

The pope will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis during the Jubilee for Adolescents in Rome April 25-27 and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati during the Jubilee of Young People in Rome July 28-Aug. 3.

The “silent acceptance” of famine in the world is a “scandalous injustice and a grave offense” that requires the unified attention of the international system, Pope Francis said.