Imagine standing in the heart of St. Peter’s Square on Christmas Eve, 2024, as the grand Holy Door swings open, marking the start of the Jubilee Year 2025. It’s a moment charged with centuries of tradition, where Pope Francis himself will lead the faithful into a year of grace and reconciliation. This is not just a religious ceremony; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that invites pilgrims from all over the world to walk through the sacred doors of Rome’s four major basilicas to obtain the plenary indulgence.
Whether you're a pilgrim planning to witness the event firsthand or curious about how to participate from afar, this guide will walk you through the essentials of this special event.
Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica
On December 24, 2024, a significant event will mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year 2025 with the Opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This ancient ritual, rich in symbolism and tradition, represents the start of a year dedicated to hope, forgiveness, and grace. It is a rare event, occurring only during a Holy Year, offering pilgrims the opportunity to pass through the Holy Door, a symbolic act signifying the journey toward spiritual salvation and redemption.
The Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica is sealed shut at the end of every Jubilee and is only opened again at the start of the next. This time, Pope Francis will lead the ceremony, breaking the seal to welcome pilgrims from around the world. As the Holy Door swings open, it symbolizes an invitation to all to seek God's mercy and embrace the spiritual journey toward the values of this Vatican Jubilee.
What happens when you enter the Holy Door?
For centuries, the opening of the Holy Door has been one of the most powerful and symbolic rituals within the Catholic Church, offering the faithful an extraordinary opportunity to receive the plenary indulgence. This indulgence is a spiritual grace, through which the temporal punishment for sins is fully remitted. It is granted under specific conditions: participation in the sacrament of confession, receiving Holy Communion, and performing acts of charity or mercy. For many, this is a deeply transformative experience, as it represents a profound act of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
In 2025, millions of pilgrims are expected in Rome to witness the historic opening of the Holy Door and take part in the Vatican Jubilee. However, St. Peter's Basilica will not be the only site of this profound ritual. During the Jubilee Year, three other Holy Doors will also be opened at Rome’s major papal basilicas: St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Each of these basilicas holds its own Holy Door, and passing through them during the Jubilee will grant the plenary indulgence.
Be part of the Jubilee 2025
If you plan to attend this unique event, now is the time to prepare. Passing through the Holy Door is not only an act of faith but a symbolic step toward divine grace. Whether you intend to participate in the Opening Mass on Christmas Eve or walk through the doors of the other papal basilicas during the year, each offers the opportunity to live an unparalleled faith experience.
To fully embrace this pilgrimage, you can explore beautiful religious items dedicated to the 2025 Jubilee. We at Savelli Religious offer an extensive collection of Jubilee 2025 merchandise. From rosaries, to medals or souvenirs, these items are the perfect keepsakes to remember this special year.
Jubilee Holy Door Pendant
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This event is not just for those physically present in Rome; it's an opportunity for all the faithful to engage in prayer and spiritual growth. Whether you plan to attend in person or participate from afar, the Jubilee Year 2025 offers a chance to deepen your faith and experience the fullness of God’s grace.
Related articles:
What is the Catholic Jubilee and how to participate? →
Jubilee 2025: everything you need to know →
What is a Plenary Indulgence? An in-depth look for Jubilee 2025 →