2025 is a mammoth year for Christianity, as millions of people from around the world flock to Rome for the year-long Jubilee event.
The initiation ritual of this occasion is the opening of the ‘Holy Doors’ scattered around the beautiful city. Its observance holds an unparalleled spiritual energy because of the attached symbolic and historic significance for the religion.
These doors are a must-see site during this ceremonious period.
What is the meaning of the Holy Door?
The Holy Doors refer to sealed gateways that are a part of the architecture of the major basilicas in Rome.
Since the 15th century, a ritual to open the doors amongst witnesses started taking place every 25 years for the Jubilee.
There is a lot of weight given to this experience, as it becomes a marking moment for those taking part in the Catholic pilgrimages- it signals an opening to start praying for mercy and renewal.
The activities that support the opening of each Holy Door -such as masses- are usually in accordance with the theme of the Jubilee chosen by the Pope.
With this year’s theme being “Pilgrims of Hope”, the Holy Door ceremonies are extremely important signifiers of both a personal and collective faith journey.
In essence, the Church of the Vatican is symbolized by these doors.
Their unlocking is a manifestation of the Church welcoming the pilgrims in their journey (and general observers) with open arms.
They represent how God and the faith are truly open to ‘listening’ to any and all prayers.
The Holy door of St. Peter’s Basilica
How many Holy Doors exist?
There are four major Holy Doors present in the city of Rome.
Where are they located?
- Basilica di San Pietro: This door is located in Vatican City, on the right-hand side of the main facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest and most significant church for all of Christianity.
- Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano: This is the oldest church in Rome, built by Emperor Constantine. It is where the pope’s used to be seated before St. Peter’s Basilica. The opening of its Holy Door signifies welcoming the pilgrims into the papal ‘home’.
- Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura: As the burial site for St. Paul the Apostle, the opening of its Holy Door signifies the spreading of messages and missions.
- Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this early Christian church’s Holy Door symbolizes receiving the guidance and protection of St. Mary.
This year, Pope Francis ceremoniously opened an additional 5th door located in the Rebibbia Prison. In line with the “Pilgrims of Hope” theme, it demonstrated a ‘hope’ for the inclusion of inmates in redemption and renewal.
This powerful gesture will possibly alter the course of the events in the next Jubilee- another 25 years later.
Facade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
How often do they open the Holy Doors?
The Holy Doors are opened every 25 years for the Jubilee event in Rome. This particular cycle was chosen to the number’s biblical significance, for which every 25 years is considered an interval for renewal.
This is also the cycle that the Vatican often uses to attest and renew the church’s affairs.
However, it is important to note that sometimes, ‘extraordinary’ Jubilees take place in between these periods.
For example, from 2015-2016, Rome saw a special Jubilee in recognition of deep challenges in war, violence, refugee crises and economic inequality that were taking place globally.
This Jubilee included the opening of the Holy Doors, in theme with addressing such contemporary issues; it was themed as the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy by the Pope.
An exterior look at St. Paul Outside the Walls and its mosaic work
When are the Holy Doors opened?
Which doors have been opened for the 2025 Jubilee?
- St. Peter’s Basilica: 24 December, 2024. It was followed by a special mass.
- Doors of Rebibbia Prison: 26 December, 2024.
- Basilica of St. John Lateran: 29 December, 2024.
- Basilica of St. Mary: 1 January, 2025.
- Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls: 5 January, 2025.
Basilica di San Giovanni
Reasons to visit the Holy Doors in Rome
Even though the opening ceremonies for the Holy Doors have passed for this Jubilee, their special passages will be unlocked for the entirety of this special year.
We urge you to visit all of them as either a pilgrim or a tourist, regardless of your religious beliefs.
The enormity of the ritual and the spiritual significance can be deeply felt within the atmosphere surrounding the basilicas and their doors.
This is a wonderful opportunity to take part in a Jubilee-themed experience, like our Walks Inside Rome tour that guides you to and through all four of these major basilicas, enrapturing you with unique storytelling about their histories, architecture, and their roles in the Jubilee.
