When does the Holy Door open for the Jubilee 2025?

One of the most significant events of the Jubilee 2025 will be the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. This special moment marks the official start of the Jubilee Year, inviting pilgrims from all over the world to walk through the Holy Door as a symbol of spiritual renewal. Knowing when and how this event takes place is key for anyone planning to participate in the celebrations.
What is the Holy Door?
Before we talk about when the Holy Door opens, it’s important to understand its significance. The Holy Door, known as the Porta Santa in Italian, is sealed shut and only opened during a Jubilee year. It’s found at the four major papal basilicas in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Santa Maria Maggiore.
The act of walking through the Holy Door is a symbol of leaving behind sin and seeking a new, spiritually fulfilling path. For many pilgrims, passing through the Holy Door is one of the most profound moments of the Jubilee, as it is tied to the Catholic tradition of receiving special graces and forgiveness.
The Opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica
The Jubilee of 2025 will officially begin on December 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM, when Pope Francis will preside over the Eucharistic Celebration in St. Peter’s Square. This will be followed by the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the Holy Year.
On December 26, 2024, the feast of St. Stephen, the Holy Father will open a Holy Door in the Roman prison of Rebibbia. This event is historic as it is the first time a Holy Door is opened in a penitentiary during an Ordinary Jubilee.
The other Holy Doors of the Papal Basilicas in Rome will be opened as follows:
December 29, 2024: Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
January 1, 2025: Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
January 5, 2025: Opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
These Holy Doors will remain open throughout the Holy Year, offering the faithful the opportunity to pass through them as a sign of pilgrimage and penance.
It is important to note that, as established in the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee 2025, the Holy Doors will be opened exclusively in the four Papal Basilicas of Rome, with the exception of the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison.
To participate in the celebrations in St. Peter’s Square, tickets are not required; however, registration for the event is necessary through the official Jubilee website portal.
For more details and updates on the calendar of events for the Jubilee 2025, please refer to the official website.

Holy Door openings at the other major basilicas
In addition to the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, the three other major basilicas in Rome—St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Santa Maria Maggiore—will also open their Holy Doors during the Jubilee. These openings usually take place in the days or weeks following the initial opening at St. Peter’s. Each basilica’s Holy Door will be opened with a special ceremony, often led by high-ranking members of the clergy.
While the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica is the most widely attended event, the other basilicas offer a more peaceful and intimate experience for pilgrims. These sites provide a wonderful opportunity to pass through the Holy Door in a less crowded setting while still participating in the Jubilee’s most important tradition.
My tip: Consider visiting these other basilicas after the initial rush of visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Doors will remain open throughout the Jubilee year, allowing you plenty of time to experience each basilica without the intensity of the crowds.
Planning your visit for the Holy Door openings
If you’re planning to attend the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica or any of the other basilicas, it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Here are a few tips to help make the most of your experience:
Arrive early: As mentioned, the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s will draw large crowds. Arriving early will give you a better chance of securing a good spot to witness the event. Even for the other basilicas, where crowds may be smaller, it’s still wise to get there in advance to ensure you have time to find your place.
Check official schedules: While the Holy Door at St. Peter’s typically opens on December 8, the exact dates for the other basilicas may vary. Be sure to check the official Vatican schedule for the Jubilee 2025 closer to the event.
Prepare for the weather: December in Rome can be chilly, so dress warmly and be prepared for the possibility of rain. If you’re planning to wait in St. Peter’s Square for several hours, bring layers, an umbrella, and something comfortable to sit on while you wait.
Walking through the Holy Door: A moment of reflection
After the Holy Door opens, pilgrims will have the chance to walk through it at their own pace throughout the Jubilee Year. This is more than just a physical act—it is a deeply symbolic gesture, representing the crossing from a life of sin into a renewed spiritual life. As you pass through, take a moment to reflect on your personal journey, your hopes, and your connection to the larger faith community.
The opportunity to walk through the Holy Door at any of the four basilicas is open to all, regardless of when you visit during the Jubilee. Whether you are present for the grand opening or come later in the year, the experience remains profoundly meaningful.
My tip: If you prefer a more reflective moment, plan to visit the Holy Doors during quieter times, such as early in the morning or late in the afternoon. While the initial opening is an extraordinary experience, visiting later in the year allows for a more peaceful and personal moment of reflection.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
The opening of the Holy Door during the Jubilee 2025 will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. Whether you’re able to witness the ceremony in person or pass through the door later in the year, this tradition offers a powerful reminder of renewal and hope.
By planning ahead and understanding the significance of the event, you can fully embrace the spiritual and cultural richness of this Jubilee, making your pilgrimage to Rome both memorable and meaningful.