3. 1 jUBILEE YEAR 2025 A. HOLY DOOR

Pope opens Holy Door at a prison for first time ever The Holy Door in the Rebibbia Prison of Rome is the only one, besides Saint Peter’s Basilica, that Pope Francis personally opened on December 26. This bronze door, hidden behind the high walls of the Roman prison, symbolises not just this penitentiary, but all prisons worldwide. Open doors, open hearts After walking through the Holy Door himself, the Pope presided over Mass in the church. In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the historic reason for his visit, describing it as “a beautiful gesture of opening.” But more than simply  opening doors, the Pope encouraged the prisoners present, to open their hearts.

There are other Holy Doors in the world, although the tradition is primarily associated with the four major basilicas of Rome. During Jubilees, the Pope may authorize the opening of Holy Doors in important cathedrals or sanctuaries across the world. Here are some of the most important Holy Doors in the world:

1. Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City (Mexico).
2. Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre, Paris (France).
3. Cathedral of Saint James of Compostela (Spain).
4. Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes (France).
5. Chartres Cathedral (France).
6. Basilica of Our Lady of Częstochowa (Poland).
These doors offer to the faithful who cannot travel to Rome the opportunity to experience the Jubilee pilgrimage and receive plenary indulgences in their own diocese. They are only opened during Jubilee years, just like in Rome