As we approach the Holy Year of Jubilee in 2025, Rome is preparing to welcome millions of pilgrims from around the world. This special year, known as Anno Santo or the Holy Year, is a time for spiritual renewal, mercy, and pilgrimage. Each Jubilee carries a central theme and for 2025, the theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” This theme underscores the Catholic belief in hope as a divine gift that sustains and transforms individuals and communities. It invites the faithful to seek renewal and transformation through their journey to Rome and the Holy Doors of the four major basilicas.
The Jubilee Year is a centuries-old tradition, tracing its origins to the Old Testament, where it was celebrated every 50 years. In biblical times, the Jubilee was a year of rest, liberation, and forgiveness, when debts were canceled, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. In the Catholic Church, the Jubilee retains the spirit of forgiveness and renewal, offering an extraordinary opportunity for the faithful to receive God’s mercy through the Sacraments, indulgences and personal conversion.
Pope Boniface VIII established the first Holy Year in 1300, initially intended to occur every 100 years. However, due to its immense popularity and significance, it has since been celebrated every 25 years. The 2025 Jubilee will be the Church’s 27th Holy Year, offering a moment of grace and an invitation to all to become “pilgrims of hope.”
The Four Holy Doors and Their Spiritual Meaning
During the Jubilee, one of the most profound acts of devotion is passing through the Holy Doors (Porta Sancta) of the four major basilicas in Rome. These doors, usually sealed shut, are opened only during the Jubilee year, symbolizing a passage from sin to grace and an invitation to embrace God’s mercy. Pilgrims from all over the world come to cross these sacred thresholds, engaging in a journey of faith, renewal and redemption.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica – Vatican City
The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, perhaps the most iconic of all, is located on the right side of the main entrance. Traditionally, the Pope ceremonially opens this door at the start of the Jubilee, using a silver hammer to knock down the brick and mortar that keeps it sealed between Jubilees. St. Peter’s Basilica, being the heart of Catholicism and home to the tomb of St. Peter, is a significant destination for pilgrims seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.
What it symbolizes: Walking through St. Peter’s Holy Door signifies stepping into God’s abundant mercy, representing the faithful’s deep desire for spiritual transformation and the forgiveness of sins.
2. St. John Lateran – Cathedral of Rome
St. John Lateran is the official cathedral of the Pope, often referred to as the “Mother of All Churches.” Its Holy Door is a powerful reminder of the Church’s role as a welcoming home for all believers. Located on the far-right side of the façade, this door serves as a passage into the universal Church, highlighting the Pope’s spiritual authority and the unity of the global Catholic community.
What it symbolizes: Pilgrims passing through St. John Lateran’s Holy Door reflect on the Church as their spiritual home, renewing their commitment to living in unity with all believers under the guidance of the Holy Father.
3. St. Paul Outside the Walls
This grand basilica, located outside the ancient city walls of Rome, is dedicated to St. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. Pilgrims visit to honor the memory and mission of St. Paul, who spread the Christian message far and wide. The Holy Door here represents the outward mission of the Church and the call to evangelize.
What it symbolizes: Passing through St. Paul Outside the Walls’ Holy Door reminds pilgrims of their mission to spread hope, love and the Gospel to others, much like St. Paul did through his journeys and letters.
4. St. Mary Major
St. Mary Major, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, holds the Church’s only Holy Door devoted to the mother of Christ. The basilica is renowned for its stunning beauty and for being a place of deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims pass through this door seeking her maternal care and intercession.
What it symbolizes: The Holy Door at St. Mary Major represents Mary’s role as the compassionate mother who guides her children closer to Christ. Pilgrims come here to entrust their prayers to her, seeking her protection and grace.
The theme “Pilgrims of Hope” was chosen by Pope Francis for the 2025 Jubilee to inspire the faithful to embark on a journey of hope amid the challenges of the modern world. In a time marked by global crises, environmental concerns, and societal divisions, this theme encourages Catholics to seek and bring hope through faith, prayer, and acts of mercy. It aligns with the core message of the Jubilee: that through God’s mercy, no one is beyond redemption, and hope can always be found in the love of Christ.
By crossing the Holy Doors, pilgrims symbolically leave behind despair and sin and step forward into a renewed life filled with hope. The act of pilgrimage itself is a hopeful gesture—a physical and spiritual journey that seeks not only personal transformation but also the renewal of the wider world through acts of kindness, solidarity, and faith.
The Spiritual Significance of the Holy Doors
Passing through the Holy Doors is more than just a ritual; it’s a profound moment of grace. According to Catholic teaching, those who pass through these doors with the right disposition—confessing their sins, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the Pope—are granted a plenary indulgence, which forgives the temporal punishment for their sins.
The opening of the Holy Doors represents the opening of God’s heart and His willingness to receive all who seek His mercy. It’s a reminder that despite the hardships we face, hope and forgiveness are always within reach.
Preparing for the 2025 Jubilee
For the faithful preparing for the Jubilee, the pilgrimage to Rome and the act of passing through the Holy Doors will be a journey of spiritual growth and renewal. The theme “Pilgrims of Hope” will guide their steps, encouraging them to not only seek hope but to share it with others. Whether making the pilgrimage physically or following from afar, Catholics are invited to embrace the Jubilee’s message of mercy, renewal and hope as they move toward a brighter future with faith in God’s unfailing love.
Resources
- Cover: Pope opening doors of St. Peter: catholicpilgrimage.org
- Photo of Pope sitting in front of St. Peter’s Holy Door: Vaticannews.com
