The Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican will be opened on 24 December 2024, marking the official inauguration of the Ordinary Jubilee. This significant event draws millions of pilgrims worldwide, symbolizing a new beginning and a journey of faith.

On Sunday, 29 December 2024, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. John Lateran, commemorating the 1700th anniversary of its dedication on 9 November 2024. The opening continues with the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, during the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God. Finally, on Sunday, 5 January 2025, the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls will be opened. These doors will remain open throughout the Holy Year and will be ceremonially closed by Sunday, 28 December 2025.

A Symbol of Renewal and Conversion

The tradition of the Holy Door dates back to 1500, initiated by Pope Alexander VI. It represents a profound spiritual act of renewal, inviting pilgrims to embark on a journey of conversion and encounter with Christ. The rite begins with the dismantling of the wall sealing the Door, revealing a box containing the key used by the Pope to symbolically push the doors open. Passing through the Holy Door signifies uniting with the Father and embracing forgiveness, mercy, and spiritual transformation.

Historical and Artistic Legacy

The Jubilee Door, as it stands today, has a rich history. In 1949, sculptor Vico Consorti was commissioned to create the current door, completing it in an impressive 11 months. The Door was inaugurated on Christmas Eve 1949 by Pope Pius XII and donated by Francis Von Streng, Bishop of Lugano and Basel, and his community, as an act of gratitude for Switzerland being spared from the ravages of war.

Consorti's work is deeply symbolic, inspired by Pope Pius XII's words: “Grant, O Lord, that this Holy Year may be the year of great return and great forgiveness.” The Door features sixteen sculptural panels narrating the spiritual journey of humanity—from the Fall and Expulsion from Paradise to the post-Resurrection appearances of Christ, culminating in an image of Christ as the Door of Salvation.

An Invitation to Pilgrims

The Holy Year provides a unique opportunity for believers to deepen their faith, embrace reconciliation, and renew their spiritual commitments. Pilgrims passing through these sacred doors partake in a centuries-old tradition, joining a community of faith that spans generations and continents. The doors stand as powerful symbols of hope, grace, and the enduring presence of God’s love.