The Holy Door is the door of a basilica which is opened only on the occasion of a Jubilee. A first holy door existed as early as 1294 in the Basilica of St Mary of Collemaggio in L’Aquila (Italy), linked to the “Forgiveness” established by Celestine V. The first holy door was opened in 1423 in St John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and once the seat of the Pope. There is definite information on the opening ritual of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica from 1500, with Pope Alexander VI.

Going through the holy door, the faithful be granted plenary indulgence on the occasion of particular jubilees or festivities. The best known are those of the four papal basilicas in Rome, but also other churches in the world have a holy door, granted by the Holy See for significant events or celebrations. For the 2025 Jubilee, the holy doors will only be those of the four papal basilicas and that of the prison of Rebibbia, in Rome.

The Holy Door of St Peter’s is the first to be opened, marking the start of the Holy Year. From that moment, the Door remains open the whole Year for the passage of the pilgrims. With this gesture, the indulgence linked to the Holy Year is obtained (at the conditions laid down) and the real destination of the journey is reached, the encounter with Christ, the “Door” that leads to the encounter with the Father. “I am the gate: whoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10,9).