Pope Francis to open 5 sacred portals on Christmas Eve — for a ritual that’s never been done before
Pope Francis will commence a centuries-long Catholic tradition on Christmas Eve and introduce a first-time, historical addition to the holy ritual.
Starting on Dec. 24, the pontiff will open a series of five Holy Doors throughout the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica, plus Rome’s three other basilicas to commence next year’s Catholic Church jubilee — a joyful commemoration of faith that normally occurs every 25 years.
The door at St. Peter’s was sealed shut by a wall of bricks since the Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy in 2016 and, on Dec. 2, those were ripped down to ready the door for opening as part of the rite of “recognition.”
Pope Francis is seen opening a Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to welcome the jubilee of 2016.
Getty Images
After that Christmas Eve ritual, Pope Francis will open a symbolic door inside the Roman prison Rebibbia on Dec. 26, the feast of St. Stephen.
It will be the first time a pope has opened a Holy Door at a prison, reported the Denver Catholic.
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Pope Francis to open 5 sacred portals on Christmas Eve — for a ritual that’s never been done before
Re: Pope Francis to open 5 sacred portals on Christmas Eve — for a ritual that’s never been done before
The opening of the Holy Doors marks the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee which is a year of forgiveness, reconciliation and renewed focus on the spiritual life.
According to church teaching, Catholics who confess their sins during this time are forgiven and therefore released from the eternal or spiritual punishment of damnation.
At the start of Christmas Eve Mass, Pope Francis pushed open the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica, which will stay open throughout the year to allow the estimated 32 million pilgrims projected to visit Rome to pass through.
Catholics worldwide watched the ritual unfold starting at 1pm ET as a web camera had been installed on St Peter's door.
Pope Francis invited Catholics to focus on hope as the world suffers from the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis.
For the first time, the Pope will also be opening a portal at the Rebibbia prison, Italy's largest correction facility, but as delivering a message of hope to prisoners.
According to church teaching, Catholics who confess their sins during this time are forgiven and therefore released from the eternal or spiritual punishment of damnation.
At the start of Christmas Eve Mass, Pope Francis pushed open the Holy Door in St Peter’s Basilica, which will stay open throughout the year to allow the estimated 32 million pilgrims projected to visit Rome to pass through.
Catholics worldwide watched the ritual unfold starting at 1pm ET as a web camera had been installed on St Peter's door.
Pope Francis invited Catholics to focus on hope as the world suffers from the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis.
For the first time, the Pope will also be opening a portal at the Rebibbia prison, Italy's largest correction facility, but as delivering a message of hope to prisoners.