Rome: The Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major was solemnly closed on Christmas Day, marking the end of a special Jubilee moment while reminding the faithful that God’s mercy and love remain forever open.
The ancient ceremony took place at dusk on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, as rain-covered Rome welcomed pilgrims gathered for the rite. The closing was led by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Archpriest of the basilica, accompanied by the tolling of the historic Sperduta bell, a sound closely linked to the spirit of pilgrimage.
In complete silence, the Cardinal ascended the steps to the Holy Door, knelt in prayer at the threshold, and gently closed it. Reflecting on the moment, he said that what is coming to an end is not God’s grace, but a special time in the life of the Church. He reminded the faithful that the heart of the merciful God remains always open to those who place their hope in Him.
The Holy Door had been opened on January 1, 2025. Its closing on Christmas Day held deep symbolic meaning, as Saint Mary Major preserves the relics of the Holy Crib associated with the birth of Jesus.
During the Mass that followed, the Cardinal invited believers to become open doors for others. He said this happens when people listen to the Word of God, welcome one another, and practice forgiveness in their daily lives.
He also reflected on the unique nature of the Jubilee of Hope, which began under Pope Francis and continued under Pope Leo XIV. This continuity, he said, shows a living Church that moves forward through time, guided by the Lord who never abandons His people.
The Cardinal explained that hope is not an illusion or naive optimism, but a real and concrete force that opens new paths and brings light even in moments of darkness. Pointing to Mary as an example, he said hope is born from welcome, welcoming God into life, welcoming others, and welcoming the future without fear.
From the basilica that houses the beloved icon of Salus Populi Romani and the tombs of several Popes, the faithful were encouraged to carry the spirit of the Jubilee into everyday life through renewed prayer, care for the poor, reconciliation in families, commitment in work, and a merciful presence in society.
Special prayers were offered for the Church, for pilgrims who passed through the Holy Door, and for greater attention to the needs of the poor. The celebration concluded with the traditional Christmas carol Silent Night and a solemn blessing.
The Holy Door of Saint Mary Major is the first among the papal basilicas to be closed. The remaining Holy Doors will be closed in the coming days, with the final closing at Saint Peter’s Basilica on January 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany.