The term "Jubilee" designates a specific year, deriving its name from the ceremonial instrument used to inaugurate it—the yobel or ram's horn, traditionally employed to announce the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

At the complex crossroads where faith, healthcare and legislation intersect, the Catholic Church's position on end-of-life care has always been rooted in the sanctity of human life.

In 1993, Pope John Paul II issued an Apostolic Blessing declaring the 2nd Sunday in February as World Marriage Day in the Church. 

"Dear brothers and sisters!  The coming months will lead us to the opening of the Holy Door, with which we will begin the Jubilee. I ask you to intensify your prayer to prepare us to live well this event of grace, and to experience the strength of God’s hope.

Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.