How to gain indulgence by passing through holy doors?

One of the most significant spiritual practices during a Jubilee year is the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence by passing through the holy doors of the major basilicas in Rome. While walking through the holy doors is an important physical act, obtaining the indulgence also requires meeting specific spiritual conditions that reflect a commitment to inner renewal and reconciliation with God. Here’s a guide to gaining indulgence by passing through the holy doors during the Jubilee 2025.
What is a plenary indulgence?
A plenary indulgence is a special grace offered by the Church that removes all temporal punishment for sins that have already been forgiven through confession. It provides a complete purification, sparing the soul from further spiritual reparation for past wrongs.
During the Jubilee year, the Church grants indulgences to pilgrims who fulfill certain conditions while passing through the holy doors. The holy doors symbolize an entry into new life, a crossing from sin into grace, and a commitment to spiritual renewal.
Conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence
Simply passing through the holy doors does not automatically grant an indulgence. Pilgrims must meet the following spiritual conditions to receive a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee:
1. Pass through the holy doors with a spirit of faith and conversion
Walking through the holy doors is an act of devotion. It represents the pilgrim’s desire to leave behind sin and embrace God’s mercy. This action should be accompanied by sincere intentions of spiritual conversion and renewal.
2. Sacramental confession
Pilgrims must receive the sacrament of confession, either shortly before or after passing through the holy doors. The sacrament of confession allows for the forgiveness of sins, and it is a necessary step in receiving the indulgence. The Church recommends that confession take place within 20 days of the act of passing through the doors, but the timing can be flexible as long as the other conditions are met.
3. Receive the Eucharist
After confession, the pilgrim must receive Holy Communion, ideally on the same day that they pass through the holy doors. Receiving the Eucharist symbolizes the unity of the believer with Christ, and it is an essential part of the indulgence process.
4. Pray for the intentions of the Pope
To complete the indulgence, pilgrims must offer prayers for the intentions of the Pope. These prayers are typically an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be, though any prayer offered with the intention of supporting the Pope and the Church is acceptable. This condition reflects the pilgrim’s unity with the Church and the wider Catholic community.
5. Be free from all attachment to sin
One of the most challenging conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence is the requirement to be free from all attachment to sin, including venial sin. This means the pilgrim must genuinely renounce sin and express a desire to live a virtuous life, even if human weakness makes total detachment difficult to achieve. The indulgence is granted when this condition is met with sincerity and effort.
Where to gain the indulgence
In Rome, pilgrims can gain the indulgence by passing through the holy doors at any of the four major basilicas:
St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)
St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)
St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore)
Visiting any one of these basilicas fulfills the requirement of passing through the holy doors, but many pilgrims choose to visit all four as part of their spiritual journey.
Local options for gaining indulgence
For those unable to travel to Rome, the Church often designates local holy doors at cathedrals or special churches worldwide during a Jubilee year. These designated doors offer the same spiritual benefits, allowing pilgrims to gain a plenary indulgence in their home country, provided that they fulfill the required conditions.
Additionally, the Church extends the indulgence to those who are ill, elderly, or unable to physically pass through the holy doors. These individuals can unite themselves spiritually with the Jubilee events by offering their suffering or participating in Mass or confession remotely, fulfilling the other spiritual conditions from home.
Tips for pilgrims seeking indulgence
Plan for confession and communion: Many pilgrims find it helpful to schedule confession and communion on the same day they pass through the holy doors to ensure all the conditions are met.
Take time for prayer and reflection: Passing through the holy doors is not just a symbolic act. Spend time in prayer and reflection before and after your visit to deepen the spiritual meaning of the indulgence.
Stay informed: Check with the Vatican or local diocesan offices for information on the locations of holy doors and the schedules for confessions and Masses to ensure you can meet all the conditions for the indulgence.
How to gain indulgence during the Jubilee 2025
Gaining a plenary indulgence by passing through the holy doors during the Jubilee 2025 is a powerful act of spiritual renewal. By fulfilling the conditions of sacramental confession, receiving the Eucharist, praying for the Pope’s intentions, and maintaining detachment from sin, pilgrims can embrace God’s mercy and experience a profound sense of grace.
Whether in Rome or in your local church, the Jubilee offers a unique opportunity to seek forgiveness and embark on a journey of faith and transformation.