The tradition of the Holy Doors
The tradition of opening Holy Doors during special Jubilee years dates back to 1423. Pope Martin V initiated this practice at St. John Lateran. Since then, the custom has expanded to include Rome’s four major basilicas. Each basilica’s Holy Door is sealed from the inside and only opened during Jubilee years by the Pope, marking the start of a Holy Year.
Key milestones include Pope Boniface VIII’s decision in 1300 to hold Jubilees every 25 years and the introduction of indulgences* for those who cross the Holy Doors. Over time, the doors have become powerful symbols of forgiveness and renewal, making them a central part of the Jubilee tradition.
An indulgence is a remission of temporal punishment due to sin, granted by the Catholic Church. Note that indulgences do not forgive sins, as that is the role of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Instead, they reduce the temporal punishment associated with sins already forgiven.*