MOMENT: Pope Leo closes Holy Door to end Jubilee

Pope Leo XIV formally closes the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the official end of the Jubilee Year 2025, a period dedicated to peace, forgiveness, and pilgrimage. The next jubilee is not expected until 2033.

Reuters

6 January 2026 at 10:14:37

MOMENT: Pope Leo closes Holy Door to end Jubilee

Pope Leo XIV kneels in front of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of the Epiphany, marking the official end of the Jubilee Year 2025, at the Vatican, January 6, 2026.

Yara Nardi/Reuters

Pope Leo closed the Catholic Church's Holy Year on Tuesday (January 6, 2026), sealing shut a special "Holy Door" in St. Peter's Basilica.

Holy years, or jubilees, typically occur every 25 years and are considered a time of peace, forgiveness and pardon. Pilgrims to Rome can enter special "Holy Doors" at four Rome basilicas, and can see the pope at special audiences throughout the year.

At 9:41 am (0841 GMT) on Tuesday, Leo, dressed in gold-trimmed robes, pulled shut the special doors at St. Peter's, officially ending the year.

The next holy year is not expected before 2033, when the Church may have a special one to mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus.

Production: Clara Schoenthaler/Reuters