EVENTS
2025 JUBILEE YEAR - OPENING OF FIVE HOLY DOORS IN ROME
The rite of opening the Holy Doors of the main basilicas of Rome to inaugurate the 2025 Jubilee Year is perhaps one of the most solemn events of the Catholic Church, with centuries of tradition.
The pilgrimage to the Holy Doors of the papal basilicas in Rome is a central act of the jubilee. Passing through them during the holy year symbolises entry into a new life in Christ and the beginning of a journey of conversion.
On Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. local time, Pope Francis will open the first and most important of them, that of St. Peter’s Basilica, beginning the Jubilee of Hope 2025, in which 30 million people are expected to participate. Later that evening he will celebrate Christmas Mass, the Nativity of Our Lord.
On Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door in the Rebibbia Prison in Our Father church.
On Sunday, Dec. 29, the Holy Door of Rome’s cathedral, St. John Lateran Basilica, will open.
On Jan. 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Pope Francis will also open the Holy Door of St. Mary Major Basilica.
The last door to open will be that of the fourth main basilica of the Eternal City, St. Paul Outside the Walls, on Jan. 5.