Pope Leo XIV closed the final “Holy Door” of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Tuesday, marking the end of the 2025 Catholic Jubilee year. The ceremony, held on the day of Epiphany, followed a mass and brought an end to a year of reflection, penance, and pilgrimage inaugurated by Pope Francis in December 2024.
Dressed in ivory and gold ceremonial robes and a mitre, the first U.S. national to become pope knelt outside the basilica to pray before the ornate bronze doors, announcing
With a grateful heart, we prepare to close this holy door, supported by a multitude of faithful, sure that the good shepherd always has the door of his heart open to welcome us every time we feel tired and oppressed.
Leo then proceeded to the altar to preside over the mass, which was attended by faithful pilgrims and dignitaries, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
The 2025 Jubilee year attracted more than 33 million pilgrims from around the world. The Vatican reported that roughly 60% of attendees came from Europe, while 16% travelled from North America. Pilgrims participated in numerous religious events, including processions, masses, and spiritual celebrations.
During the Jubilee, Catholics passing through holy doors, such as St Peter’s, received a “plenary indulgence,” a form of forgiveness for confessed sins. The jubilee year, organized by the Church every 25 years, serves as a period of spiritual renewal and unity for the world’s over 1.4 billion Catholics.
