Jubilee holy doors

One of the most special traditions of the Jubilee is the Holy Door. These doors, located in Rome and in certain churches around the world, are opened only during the Jubilee Year. Walking through a Holy Door is a powerful symbol of entering God’s love.

Please take a moment to view the Holy Doors; detailed information regarding each door is provided at the end.

About the Holy Doors During the Jubilee

Many people think that the only way to take part in the Jubilee is by going to Rome, but that isn’t true. While Rome is the heart of Jubilee celebrations and many pilgrims from all over the world travel there, the Church has also made it possible for people to participate closer to home. In the Jubilee Year, local churches and sacred places can be designated as places of pilgrimage, where the faithful can pray, reflect, and join in the spirit of the Jubilee even if they cannot travel to Rome.In Latvia, for example, Catholics can take part in the Jubilee by visiting special churches and pilgrimage sites. These include important spiritual centres like the Aglona Basilica a historic place of prayer and devotion, and other local churches chosen for Jubilee pilgrimages.

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St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican)

Archbasilica of St. John Lateran

Basilica of St. Mary Major

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Rebibbia Prison Holy Door

Information

1. Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica

This is the most important Holy Door of the Jubilee. It is located at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and is traditionally the first door opened to begin the Jubilee Year and the last one closed at the end. Passing through it symbolizes entering a journey of faith and hope, leaving the old behind and stepping into new life with Christ. The Pope opens this door in a special ceremony to mark the official beginning of the Jubilee on Christmas Eve.

2. Holy Door of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran

This Holy Door is at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). It is opened shortly after St. Peter’s and represents the Pope’s role as shepherd of the universal Church. Walking through this door reminds pilgrims of their call to unity with the whole Catholic community.

3. Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

At the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Holy Door is opened on 1 January, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This door has deep Marian significance; it invites pilgrims to reflect on the Mother of Jesus as a model of faith, hope, and trust in God.

4. Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

This Holy Door is found at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s oldest and most beautiful basilicas, and is opened a few days after St. Mary Major. Going through this door connects pilgrims to the legacy of St. Paul the Apostle—his mission to bring the Gospel to all nations and his witness of conversion and courage.

5. Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison

For the first time in Jubilee history, a Holy Door was opened at Rebibbia Prison in Rome. This extraordinary door was opened to offer a concrete sign of hope and inclusion to prisoners, reminding everyone that no one is excluded from God’s love and that even those in the hardest circumstances are part of the Church’s spiritual family.