Learn about the Opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica—a powerful Jubilee tradition that marks a renewed journey of mercy, faith, and hope for Catholics worldwide.
Since the 1500s, each Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church begins with a solemn and symbolic ritual: the ceremonial opening of the massive bronze Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, which remains sealed at all other times.
Also known as the “Door of the Great Pardon,” its 16 bronze panels depict powerful biblical scenes of sin and redemption, reminding the faithful of God’s boundless mercy.
Before opening the door, the Pope leads prayers and invokes the Holy Spirit. He then physically pushes open the door and steps inside the basilica, inviting pilgrims from around the world to join him in crossing the threshold—a gesture of renewal, repentance, and hope.
Opening the Holy Door is more than a tradition; it is a profound invitation to begin or deepen one’s spiritual journey. Crossing its threshold becomes a sacred act of faith, inspired by Jesus’ words in John 10:9:
“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.”
This passage captures the transformative nature of the Holy Door. Entering through it symbolizes the believer’s choice to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd. It becomes both a physical and spiritual gateway—leading pilgrims into the heart of the Church and calling them to renew their commitment to the Gospel.
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