Pope Francis has led the world's Roman Catholics into Christmas, saying the story of Jesus' birth as a poor carpenter's son instils hope for everyone

He presided over a Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which is expected to draw 32 million tourists to Rome.

The pontiff says hope calls us to challenge wrongs and find the courage to change them.

This Jubilee year, running until January 6, 2026, saw Francis open a special bronze-panelled Holy Door at St Peter's, which is only open during Jubilee years.

The Vatican expects up to 100-thousand pilgrims to walk through the doors each day next year.