Holy Doors: What You Need to Know for Your Pilgrimage
- Lili
- Jan 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 17
The Holy Doors in Rome are among the most important symbols in Christian faith. Opened during Holy Years (Jubilees), these sacred doors serve as places of prayer, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. In the Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis proclaimed the access to various Holy Doors, each located in ancient basilicas and sacred sites rich with meaning for the Catholic Church.
In Rome, these doors symbolize the faithful's encounter with divine mercy, a rite rooted in Christian tradition since the 14th century, allowing pilgrims to receive indulgences through solemn ceremonies.
Table of Contents
History of the Holy Door
The Holy Door has a long history dating back to the 14th century, when Pope Boniface VIII declared the first official Jubilee in 1300. Since then, during Holy Years, special doors are opened in significant churches, allowing the faithful to pass through them as a symbol of repentance and indulgence.
Originally, Holy Doors were only opened in basilicas in Rome. Over time, other sacred places were included, both inside and outside of Rome, allowing more people to participate in this unique experience.
Process for Designating Holy Doors
The process of designating Holy Doors involves both the papal authority and local bishops:
Initiative by the Pope
The Pope begins the Holy Year by opening the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica. He defines the general conditions for indulgences and calls on the world to experience a time of grace and mercy.
Authority of the Dioceses
Local bishops work together with the Pope to choose churches within their dioceses to be designated as Holy Doors. These churches must be accessible to the faithful and act as centers of pilgrimage.
Criteria for Choosing Churches
Churches chosen as Holy Doors must be centers of faith and pilgrimage. These churches are often associated with saints, important religious events, or historical significance.
During the Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis innovated by allowing Holy Doors to be opened in every diocese worldwide, in addition to the traditional papal basilicas in Rome. This broadened the scope of the Jubilee, involving more places of pilgrimage and making the event more inclusive.
Holy Doors of the Jubilee 2025: Learn About Each Basilica
During the Jubilee of 2025, five major Holy Doors were opened in Rome, each located in ancient basilicas rich in history and religious significance. In addition to these, two more churches complete the set, making it a total of seven churches.
1. St. Peter's Basilica (San Pietro)
Significance: The holiest basilica for Catholics, where St. Peter himself is buried.
Hours: Summer (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) | Winter (7:00 AM to 6:30 PM)
Admission: Free to the basilica; entrance fee to climb the dome.
Opening Ceremony: December 24, 2024.
2. St. John Lateran Basilica (San Giovanni in Laterano)
Significance: The cathedral of the Pope and the "Mother of all churches" in Rome.
Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Admission: Free.
Opening Ceremony: December 29, 2024.
3. Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)
Significance: The largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the heart of Rome.
Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Admission: Free, but some areas may require a ticket.
Opening Ceremony: January 5, 2025.
Tour: Experience in Rome.
4. St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica (San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
Significance: Built over the tomb of St. Paul, symbolizing missionary outreach.
Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Admission: Free, but some areas may require a ticket.
Opening Ceremony: January 5, 2025.
Tour: expert guide to Vatican
5. Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison
Significance: For the first time, a Holy Door was opened outside the city in a penitentiary, symbolizing forgiveness and inclusion.
Hours: Available for visitation during specific events.
Opening Ceremony: December 26, 2024.
Tour: Holy Jubilee
6. Basilica of St. Cross in Jerusalem
Significance: Where relics of the True Cross are kept.
Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Admission: Free to the basilica, but there may be a fee for visiting the treasury and martyrs' chapel.
Opening Ceremony: January 9, 2025.
7. Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls
Significance: The burial site of St. Lawrence, a deacon and martyr.
Hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Admission: Free.
Opening Ceremony: January 12, 2025.
Tour: Cultural Experience
What is the Oldest Holy Door in Rome?
The oldest Holy Door in Rome is located at St. John Lateran Basilica. This door dates back to the 15th century and was first inaugurated during the Jubilee of 1500, declared by Pope Alexander VI.
The Importance of the Seven Churches in Rome
The pilgrimage to the Seven Churches is a tradition that dates back to the early Christian era. Pilgrims, by visiting these churches, relive the spiritual journey of early Christians and experience deep devotion. In addition to the four major basilicas that house Holy Doors, these two churches complete the cycle:
St. Cross in Jerusalem: Where relics of the True Cross are preserved.
St. Lawrence Outside the Walls: A sanctuary dedicated to St. Lawrence.
These churches are considered sacred sites, deeply significant for religious and spiritual reflection.
Process for Designating Holy Doors
The process of designating Holy Doors is carried out by both the Pope and local bishops, following a well-structured ritual:
Initiative by the Pope: The Pope begins the Holy Year by opening the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica. The Pope defines the general conditions for indulgences and calls the world to experience this time of grace and mercy.
Authority of the Dioceses: After the papal decree, local bishops are responsible for choosing churches in their dioceses to be designated as Holy Doors. Each bishop is guided to select churches that are accessible, representative of pilgrimage spirit, and associated with historical or spiritual significance.
Criteria for Choosing Churches: Churches chosen as Holy Doors must be centers of faith and pilgrimage. These churches should have deep spiritual meaning, such as association with saints, sacred tombs, or important historical events.
During the Jubilee of 2025, Pope Francis innovated by allowing Holy Doors to be opened in every diocese around the world, in addition to the traditional papal basilicas in Rome. This made the Jubilee truly global and inclusive.
Closing of the Jubilee 2025
The Jubilee of 2025 will be concluded with a solemn ceremony in the Vatican, where Pope Francis will bless the pilgrims who have participated in the celebrations throughout the year. The Holy Doors will be closed symbolically, marking the end of this time of indulgence and spiritual renewal. This will be a moment of gratitude and final reflection for pilgrims, carrying with them the spiritual fruits of their pilgrimage.
Can Anyone Pass Through the Holy Doors? Requirements and Guidelines
Anyone can pass through the Holy Doors during the Jubilee Year, and generally, no prior registration is required. However, there are a few important points to consider:
1. Access to the Holy Doors
The Holy Doors are open to all faithful during the Jubilee period.
The purpose is to allow everyone, regardless of their status, to participate in the act of crossing them as a sign of faith and spiritual renewal.
2. Plenary Indulgence
To obtain a plenary indulgence when crossing the Holy Door, the Church requires certain conditions to be fulfilled, such as:
Sacramental confession.
Participation in Mass and reception of the Eucharist.
Prayer for the Pope and his intentions.
An act of charity or penance.
3. Possible Exceptions
For specific occasions, events, or solemn celebrations, there may be organized measures to manage the flow of people, especially in major basilicas in Rome. In such cases, registration or a free ticket might be requested, but this is rare and depends on the circumstances.
4. Local Information
If you are planning a visit to Rome or other cities with Holy Doors, it is recommended to check with the local dioceses or official websites of the basilicas for updated details on schedules and possible restrictions.
In summary, no prior registration is generally required, and everyone is welcome to participate in this significant moment of faith and spirituality.
The pilgrimage to the Holy Doors of the Jubilee 2025, whether in Rome or elsewhere in the world, is a profound opportunity to renew your faith, seek penance, and experience divine communion. Each Holy Door, rich in symbolism and meaning, represents an invitation to embrace God's mercy and love. Passing through these sacred thresholds is not just a physical act but a spiritual journey toward transformation, healing, and forgiveness.
What about you? What more would you like to know about the Jubilee, its history, or the significance of the Holy Doors? Let us know! Whether you're planning your pilgrimage or simply curious to learn more, we're here to guide you on this extraordinary path of faith.
Suggested Links for Planning
Hotels: Hotels.com
Tours: GetYourGuide, Viator, Expedia
Activities and Experiences: Viator – Rome Tours, Expedia – Activities in Rome
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