Key Facts
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV closed the final Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on January 6.
- ✓ The closure signaled the end of the 2025 Jubilee year.
- ✓ The Jubilee drew millions of pilgrims to Rome.
- ✓ This was the first Jubilee since 1700 to feature two popes due to the death of the first pontiff during the Holy Year.
Quick Summary
Pope Leo XIV has officially closed the final Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, signaling the conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee year. The ceremony took place on January 6, coinciding with the Feast of the Epiphany. This event marks the end of a Holy Year that successfully drew millions of pilgrims to the city for religious observances.
The 2025 Jubilee was marked by a rare historical occurrence. It was the first time since the year 1700 that a Holy Year spanned the leadership of two different popes. This unique situation arose because the pontiff reigning at the start of the Jubilee passed away during the Holy Year, leading to the election of Pope Leo XIV to oversee the remainder of the events.
Ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica 🚪
Pope Leo XIV presided over the rite to close the Holy Door on January 6. The closing of the door officially ends the liturgical events associated with the Jubilee. The ceremony took place at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
The closing of the Holy Door is a traditional ritual that marks the end of a Jubilee year. This specific door is only opened once every 25 years for these events. The Pope's action formally concludes the period of pilgrimage.
Historical Significance of the 2025 Jubilee 📜
The 2025 Jubilee year was unique due to a transition in leadership. The 2025 Jubilee was the first since 1700 to feature two popes. This occurred because the first pope passed away during the Holy Year.
This rare event highlights the historical continuity of the Vatican. The passing of a pontiff during a Holy Year is an infrequent occurrence. The election of Pope Leo XIV ensured the continuity of the Jubilee celebrations.
Pilgrimage and Attendance 🙏
The Jubilee year attracted a massive number of visitors to the Vatican. The event drew millions of pilgrims to the city of Rome. These visitors came to participate in the religious festivities and pass through the Holy Door.
The influx of pilgrims is a central aspect of any Holy Year. The large attendance underscores the significance of the Jubilee as a major event in the Catholic calendar. The successful gathering of millions of faithful was a key outcome of the 2025 observance.
Conclusion of the Holy Year ✨
The closure of the Holy Door by Pope Leo XIV brings the 2025 Jubilee to a formal end. The event on January 6 serves as the final ritual for the Holy Year. The Vatican considers the Jubilee a success based on the large turnout of pilgrims.
With the door closed, the focus returns to the regular liturgical schedule of the Vatican. The historical rarity of the two-pope Jubilee will likely be remembered as a defining characteristic of the 2025 Holy Year. The city of Rome now transitions back from the period of high pilgrimage.
