INTRODUCTION 

Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 as The Jubilee of Hope, with a central theme of “hope does not disappoint” and a call to Catholics worldwide to become “pilgrims of hope.” The 2025 Jubilee Year officially started on Dec. 24th at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and will continue until Jan. 6th, 2026. 

What is the Holy Door? 

The Holy Door is a highly symbolic door, typically located in a basilica, that is only opened during a Holy Year, generally every 25 years. It symbolizes the passage between the secular world and the sacred world, and represents divine mercy. It is a special time of prayer, forgiveness, and reconciliation in the Catholic tradition. 

In Rome, the Holy Door is located in each of the Four Major Basilicas of Rome: 
St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican): This is the most well-known Holy Door, located at the main entrance of the basilica. 
St. John Lateran Basilica: The official cathedral of Rome. 
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls: Located outside the city walls. 
Basilica of Saint Mary Major: One of the oldest churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Twin Luz was inspired to go on a pilgrimage during the Great Jubilee 2000 at Jerusalem which was extended to Rome. 
We twins entered the Holy Door at  Saint Peter's Basilica on  November 3, 2000. 

During, the 2025 Jubilee Year, you can share the Good news of God’s mercy by: Receiving plenary indulgence; Encountering the Lord Jesus; Embracing God’s love; Growing closer to God; and Sharing gifts and talents. 

Attend masses and talks, visit a Marian shrine, and participate in spiritual events planned by the Vatican. 

Pope opens Holy Door at a prison for first time ever 

The Holy Door in the Rebibbia Prison of Rome is the only one, besides Saint Peter’s Basilica, that Pope Francis personally opened on December 26. This bronze door, hidden behind the high walls of the Roman prison, symbolizes not just this penitentiary, but all prisons worldwide. Open doors, open hearts 

After walking through the Holy Door himself, the Pope presided over Mass in the church. In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the historic reason for his visit, describing it as “a beautiful gesture of opening.” But more than simply opening doors, the Pope encouraged the prisoners present, to open their hearts. 

Are there other famous Holy Doors in the world? 

Yes, there are other Holy Doors in the world, although the tradition is primarily associated with the four major basilicas of Rome. During Jubilees, the Pope may authorize the opening of Holy Doors in important cathedrals or sanctuaries across the world. 

Here are some of the most important Holy Doors in the world: 
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City (Mexico). 
Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre, Paris (France). 
Cathedral of Saint James of Compostela (Spain). 
Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes (France). 
Chartres Cathedral (France). 
Basilica of Our Lady of Częstochowa (Poland). 

These doors offer to the faithful who cannot travel to Rome the opportunity to experience the Jubilee pilgrimage and receive plenary indulgences in their own diocese. They are only opened during Jubilee years, just like in Rome.