What Are Holy Doors?

 

Holy Doors hold deep spiritual significance in the Catholic Church, serving as powerful symbols of divine mercy and renewal. As the Jubilee Year 2025 started, these doors took on added prominence, inviting millions of pilgrims to embark on a journey of faith, forgiveness, and transformation. But what exactly are Holy Doors, and why are they so important during a Jubilee Year?

The Meaning of Holy Doors

 

In the Catholic faith, the Holy Door signifies the journey of salvation – the path to a renewed and eternal life that Jesus opened for all humanity.

It also represents the gateway to divine mercy – the final and supreme gesture by which God comes to meet man. Mercy “serves as a bridge that connects God and humanity, allowing our hearts to embrace the hope of eternal love despite our sins,” as the Pope said in “Misericordia Vultus” (“The Face of Mercy”), which established the Holy Year of Mercy.

Entering the Holy Door is not just a physical act; it symbolizes a personal journey toward spiritual renewal. Those who walk through the Holy Door during the Jubilee Year are granted the plenary indulgence, a blessing that alleviates the temporal consequences of sins already forgiven in confession.

Holy Doors in Rome

 

In Rome, the four Holy Doors are found in four major basilicas, often called papal basilicas. The significance of these churches in Catholicism is very important, and each of them has a Holy Door that is accessible during the Jubilee Year. Here they are located:

1. St. Peter’s Basilica 

Location: Vatican City

The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous and well-known of all the Holy Doors. Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s serves as the spiritual center of Catholicism and an important place for pilgrims. 

2. St. John Lateran 

Location: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome

St. John Lateran serves as the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and is commonly known as the “Mother of all churches”. The basilica’s Holy Door is also significant for Jubilee pilgrims. 

3. St. Paul Outside the Walls 

Location: Via Ostiense, Rome

Dedicated to Saint Paul, this basilica is generally believed to be built over the burial site of the apostle. It ranks as the second-largest basilica in Rome after Saint Peter’s.

4. Santa Maria Maggiore 

Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is one of the four papal basilicas and has a Holy Door through which pilgrims can enter during the Jubilee Year. The basilica is famous for its beautiful mosaics and extensive history.

Holy Doors Around the World

 

Although Rome is the main pilgrimage site, dioceses around the world select their own Holy Doors during the Jubilee Year. These local Holy Doors allow those who cannot travel to Rome to experience the spiritual benefits of the Jubilee. Some noteworthy examples include:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (Paris, France): Notre-Dame de Paris is considered one of the most iconic cathedrals in the world, both in terms of architecture and spiritual significance. It is located in the heart of Paris, on the Île de la Cité. Although it is not one of the four papal basilicas, Notre-Dame has been designated a Holy Door for the Jubilee Year.
• Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (Spain): The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela stands as one of the most spiritually significant and historically complex pilgrimage sites worldwide. After each Holy Year, the door is sealed internally using mortar and a silver cross, then formally reopened when the next Holy Year arrives.
• Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City, Mexico): It is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. It is deeply rooted in the spiritual heart of Latin America and is also associated with the tradition of the Holy Door, especially during Jubilee Years.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York City, USA): A beacon of faith in a bustling metropolis.
• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (St. Louis, USA): Renowned for its stunning mosaics.

Local Holy Doors allow Catholics to experience the grace of the Jubilee without international travel, promoting a sense of unity within the church worldwide. Holy Doors do not merely serve as architectural elements; they are important symbols of God’s mercy and an invitation to renew spiritual life. Whether located in Rome or a nearby diocese, passing through the Holy Door represents a profound moment of grace, hope, and renewal for all who seek it.

I had the opportunity to pass through the three holy doors in Rome! Have you done it? Or do you have a plan?