Welcome to the Sacred Storytelling of St. Peter’s Basilica
Step into the world of divine mercy and salvation as we explore the 16 reliefs of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. Designed by Vico Consorti and installed in 1950, these reliefs are more than just artistic beauty – they are a powerful catechesis that narrates the journey from sin to redemption.
First row (top)
1. Original sin (Genesis 3:1-7)
Witness Adam and Eve’s fall as they eat the forbidden fruit, marking the beginning of sin.
2. The expulsion from Paradise (Genesis 3:23-24)
Experience the separation between God and humanity as Adam and Eve are expelled from Eden.
3. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
Join Mary as she receives the angel Gabriel’s message, heralding the start of redemption.
4. The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)
Celebrate the incarnation of God as Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus come together in the nativity scene.
Second row
5. The Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
Experience Jesus’ love and guidance as the Good Shepherd caring for his sheep.
6. The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)
Witness the beginning of Jesus’ public mission as he is baptized by John in the Jordan River.
7. Jesus forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11)
Feel the mercy and forgiveness as Jesus stands up for the adulterous woman, challenging the crowd.
8. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
Marvel at Jesus’ power over death as he raises Lazarus, bringing new life.
Third Row
9. The Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20)
Partake in the Eucharist as Jesus institutes his body and blood during the last supper with his disciples.
10. The Crucifixion (Luke 23:33-49)
Witness the ultimate act of love as Jesus dies on the cross to redeem humanity.
11. The Resurrection (Luke 24:1-12)
Celebrate the victory over sin and death as Jesus rises from the dead.
12. The Giving of the Keys to Peter (Matthew 16:18-19)
Recognize the authority of the Church as Jesus gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom.
Fourth row (bottom)
13. The conversion of St. Paul (Acts 9:1-19)
Experience the transformation of Paul as he encounters Christ and turns from persecution to faith.
14. The Pope opening the Holy Door
Symbolizing the beginning of a time of grace, watch as the Pope opens the Holy Door during a Jubilee Year.
15. The crowd of pilgrims crossing the Holy Door
Join the faithful as they seek reconciliation and salvation by crossing the Holy Door.
16. The return of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)
Embrace the mercy and forgiveness of God as the prodigal son is welcomed back by his father with open arms.
General symbolism
From sin to redemption, the reliefs of the Holy Door tell a sacred story of mercy and salvation. As you cross the threshold into a renewed life, remember the mercy and grace that God offers to all the faithful.
Part I
Part II
