Camille Naredo

Article (news)

Pope Leo

Agence France-Presse

VATICAN CITY, Holy See -- Pope Leo XIV closed the final &quot;Holy Door&quot; in St Peter&#x27;s Basilica in Rome on Tuesday, the day of Epiphany, signaling the end of the 2025 Jubilee year that drew millions of pilgrims to the city.The ceremony to close the basilica&#x27;s ornate bronze doors, followed by mass, was the final stage of a Catholic holy year inaugurated by Leo&#x27;s predecessor, Francis, in December 2024.From outside the vast basilica, the first US pope, dressed in ivory and gold ceremonial robes and mitre, kneeled to pray before the doors, before closing them solemnly.&quot;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,&quot; said Leo, 70.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/12/25/pope-leo-condemns-open-wounds-of-war-in-first-christmas-homily-1950">READ: Pope Leo condemns &#x27;open wounds&#x27; of war in first Christmas homily</a></div>Preceded by white-clad cardinals, he then proceeded to the altar to preside over a mass attended by faithful and dignitaries, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella.The year of celebrations is a period of reflection and penance for the world&#x27;s more than 1.4 billion Catholics.It drew more than 33 million pilgrims to Rome from 185 countries, Vatican officials said Monday.Francis, who died in April at age 88, opened the holy year on December 24, 2024, knocking on the same doors before they were opened.During jubilee years, which are organized by the Church every 25 years, pilgrims who pass through holy doors benefit from a &quot;plenary indulgence&quot;, a type of forgiveness for their sins.Italian tour guide Gabriella Calciolari, who walked through the doors Monday afternoon, told AFP the experience was &quot;beautiful&quot;.&quot;It&#x27;s very moving, especially passing through the Holy Door. Not to mention the whole journey from Via della Conciliazione (leading to St Peter&#x27;s) with the cross, arriving at Peter&#x27;s tomb, praying,&quot; she said.This jubilee was a rare two-pope one -- the last time a pope died during a &quot;Holy Year&quot; was in 1700.The Christian feast day of Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, or three wise men, to the baby Jesus. In Christian faith, it celebrates his manifestation as the son of God.

Pope Leo XIV closed the final "Holy Door" in St Peter's Basilica in Rome on Tuesday, the day of Epiphany, signalling the end of the 2025 Jubilee year that drew millions of pilgrims to the city.

Pope Leo XIV closed the final "Holy Door" in St Peter's Basilica in Rome on Tuesday, the day of Epiphany, signalling the end of the 2025 Jubilee year that drew millions of pilgrims to the city.

Last 'holy door' at St Peter's closes to end Catholic jubilee year

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Last 'holy door' at St Peter's closes to end Catholic jubilee year

Agence France-Presse

Published Jan 06, 2026 08:44 PM PHT

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Pope Leo

Holy Door

St Peter's Basilica

Vatican

Rome

Jubilee year

Pope Francis

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