Get ready for an extraordinary experience in Rome during the Jubilee 2025 as the Papal Basilicas with Holy Doors will be opened for pilgrims. Pope Francis will kick off the Holy Year on December 24, 2024, by opening the Holy Door in the Vatican.
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The Papal Basilicas are the major churches with the Holy Doors, opened by the Pope during the Jubilee year. They hold great significance for pilgrims as crossing them symbolizes following Jesus and putting trust in Him. Originally, there was only one Holy Door at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. However, additional Holy Doors were established in three Roman basilicas to facilitate the pilgrimage.
The first Holy Door Pope Francis will open on December 24, 2024, is at St. Peter’s Basilica, officially commencing Jubilee 2025. The Holy Door will be closed on January 6, 2026, marking the end of the Holy Year. On December 26, 2024, the Pontiff will open the Holy Door at Rebibbia prison. By crossing the Holy Door, one is reminded of John 10:9 – “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” Apart from St. Peter’s Basilica, the other Papal Basilicas in Rome with Holy Doors are St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and Santa Maria Maggiore.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica
The Basilica of St. Peter stands as the heart of global Christianity, attracting pilgrims from all corners of the world. According to tradition, it houses the tomb of the Apostle Peter, and in the 4th century, Emperor Constantine had his basilica built here, the first dedicated to the saint’s memory. During the High Middle Ages, it became the primary pilgrimage site in the West until Pope Julius II had it demolished in 1506 to make way for a newer, grander construction. The most renowned artists in history, such as Donato Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini, have contributed to the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica. The opening of the Holy Door will take place on December 24, 2024.
Giorgia Meloni is not present, and the inauguration of Piazza Pia for the Jubilee is postponed to December 23
St. John Lateran Basilica
St. John Lateran Basilica
St. John Lateran, formally known as the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and Evangelist, is located near the Celio. Prior to the basilica’s construction, the area belonged to the ancient Lateran family and was consecrated in 324 by Pope Sylvester I. From the 4th century until the 14th, when the pope moved to Avignon, Lateran served as the papal seat. In 1378, with Gregory XI, the papal seat returned to Rome. At that point, Lateran was no longer suitable to house it due to its poor condition, and the Vatican was established as the new papal residence. In 1650, Pope Innocent X and Francesco Borromini redeveloped the Lateran.
L’apertura della Porta Santa è un momento di grande significato che avrà luogo il 29 dicembre 2024.
Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura
La monumentale basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura è stata inaugurata da papa Pio IX e custodisce la catena che legava l’apostolo Paolo al soldato romano. Dopo l’editto di Milano, l’imperatore Costantino donò due basiliche ai cristiani, erette sulle tombe di Pietro e Paolo. Nel V secolo, per accogliere i numerosi pellegrini, venne costruito un edificio più grande orientato verso ovest. La basilica conserva il crocifisso ligneo che, secondo la tradizione, parlò a Santa Brigida. L’apertura della Porta Santa è prevista per il 5 gennaio 2025.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
La basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore è il santuario mariano più importante e antico dell’occidente, rimasto fedele all’aspetto paleocristiano. Al suo interno si trova la celebre icona mariana “Salus Populi Romani” attribuita a San Luca evangelista. Legata al miracolo della neve del 358, la basilica è considerata una reliquia mariana progettata dalla Madonna. Durante la liturgia, il giorno dell’anniversario, vengono fatti cadere petali bianchi dal soffitto. La basilica è luogo di sepoltura di sette Papi. L’apertura della Porta Santa è fissata per il 1° gennaio 2025 in occasione della solennità di…
