In celebration of the Jubilee Year and to mark the centenary of Pope Pius XI’s 1925 document I Primitivi Cemeteri, there is renewed attention on the importance of preserving early Christian cemeteries. At the center of this commemoration is the ancient Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome—Italy’s largest and first official Christian burial site—which is now attracting more pilgrims than ever. This surge in visitors follows the recent restoration of a special tomb within the catacombs. Located beneath the city along the historic Via Appia Antica, the catacombs date back to the 2nd century and hold the remains of many early martyrs, including nine third-century popes. Rediscovered in 1849 and opened to the public in the 20th century, the catacombs welcome thousands of visitors each year. The restoration of Pope Eusebius’s tomb is intended to inspire pilgrims with the enduring message of hope—the central theme of this Jubilee Year. EWTN Vatican journalist Bénédicte Cedergren has more.
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