Pope Francis is preparing to open five Holy Doors at the Vatican this Christmas Eve, continuing a centuries-old Catholic tradition while introducing a historic first—opening a symbolic portal in a Roman prison. The ceremonial act will officially begin the 2025 Jubilee Year, a deeply significant event for millions of faithful worldwide.
For those unfamiliar, the tradition of the Holy Doors dates back to the 15th century. Once sealed and reopened only during jubilee years, these doors symbolize the passage to salvation and renewal for Catholics. But this time, Francis is adding a new twist to the ritual, making it more accessible and relevant to modern struggles. Let’s dive into what makes this year’s jubilee extra special.
The Five Sacred Doors and Their Significance
Pope Francis will commence the holy celebrations on December 24 by opening the first sacred portal at St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest and most prominent Catholic church in the world. Sealed with bricks in 2016 after the Jubilee of Mercy, the northeast entrance has been under careful preparation for weeks, with the bricks removed earlier this month. If you’ve ever seen the sheer grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, you know this moment will be nothing short of awe-inspiring.
On December 26, Pope Francis will break new ground—literally and figuratively—when he opens the second Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison, a high-security facility in Rome. This unprecedented gesture underscores Francis’ ongoing advocacy for prisoners, reminding the world that hope and redemption are for everyone, regardless of circumstance.
“I think of prisoners who, deprived of their freedom, daily feel the harshness of detention and its restrictions, lack of affection, and, in more than a few cases, lack of respect,” the Pope recently stated. His decision to include a prison in the jubilee tradition aligns perfectly with his reputation for compassion and outreach to society’s most forgotten members.
The opening of the third Holy Door will take place at Saint John Lateran Basilica on December 29. This basilica holds a unique place in Catholicism, as it is the official cathedral of the Bishop of Rome—a title held by the pope himself. It’s easy to imagine the solemnity and grandeur of this moment as faithful gather to witness history unfold.
The fourth door will swing open on January 1, 2025, at Saint Mary Major Basilica, coinciding with the celebration of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. This basilica, with its stunning mosaics and centuries of devotion, represents the profound connection between Mary and the jubilee’s themes of hope and renewal.
Finally, on January 5, Pope Francis will open the fifth and final Holy Door at Saint Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas. For Catholics, this location honors Saint Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, and his enduring message of faith and resilience. The doors will remain open throughout the jubilee year, drawing pilgrims from around the world until their ceremonial closure on January 6, 2026.
The Jubilee Year—A Time of Renewal
The concept of the jubilee year has its roots in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus 25. Originally celebrated every 50 years, it was a time for atonement, forgiveness of debts, release of prisoners, and rest for the land—a spiritual and practical “reboot” for ancient Israelites.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Catholic Church’s jubilee retains much of that original spirit, with millions of pilgrims expected to flock to Rome. It’s a time of profound spiritual renewal, repentance, and grace—an opportunity to “pass through the door” toward reconciliation and hope.
For Pope Francis, this jubilee carries a particularly urgent message in today’s world. By including a prison in the sacred ritual, he’s reminding society of its responsibility to offer second chances and to see the humanity in every person, no matter their past mistakes.
A Tradition of Faith, Renewed
From the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica to the humbling setting of Rebibbia Prison, the opening of these Holy Doors marks not just a continuation of Catholic tradition, but a deliberate call to compassion and inclusivity. Pope Francis’ decision to expand the ritual’s reach speaks to the evolving needs of faith in a fractured, often cynical world.
As the jubilee year begins, expect to see countless pilgrims walking through these sacred portals, each carrying their own hopes, prayers, and burdens. The doors symbolize new beginnings—and perhaps a reminder that redemption, like the doors themselves, is open to all.
