Vatican City: Cardinal James Michael Harvey closed the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls on Sunday morning, calling on the faithful to live a form of hope that is realistic, trusting, and firmly grounded in faith, even as the world faces wars, crises, and deep uncertainty.
During the Eucharistic celebration, the cardinal said Christian hope does not turn away from the pain, injustice, and confusion of today’s world. Instead, it confronts reality with confidence drawn from God’s mercy and from the Cross of Christ, which he described as the only true hope for humanity.
Reflecting on the meaning of the Holy Door, Cardinal Harvey said it mirrors two human attitudes. One is the desire to escape reality and deny personal weakness. The other is becoming trapped in fear and resignation. Authentic Christian hope, he said, lies in moving forward with trust, believing in a salvation that has already been given and is still unfolding in human history.
As the faithful gathered in the basilica courtyard, the cardinal recalled the message engraved near the Holy Door, pointing to peace as God’s lasting gift to a troubled world. He said the Cross of Christ is the foundation of this peace and the source of hope that leads to new life.
The closing ceremony was marked by silence and prayer. Cardinal Harvey paused in reflection before the Holy Door and then closed it, marking the conclusion of this stage of the Jubilee journey at the basilica.
In his homily, the cardinal stressed that while a Holy Door may close, God’s mercy never does. He invited believers to continue the path of conversion, reconciliation, and hope inspired by the Jubilee. Quoting the Letter to the Romans, he reminded the faithful that hope does not disappoint because it is based not on fragile human strength but on God’s faithful love.
He explained that the Holy Door is more than a physical entrance. It is a spiritual passage that calls people to leave behind what weighs on the heart and to enter the space of mercy. Crossing it means setting aside self reliance and entrusting one’s life fully to God.
Cardinal Harvey also pointed to the witness of St Paul, who endured imprisonment and hardship without losing hope. He said no prison can destroy the inner freedom of those who live in Christ.
Referring to the teachings of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, the cardinal said hope is not naive optimism or an escape from reality. It is the courage to go deeper, to break free from resignation, and to trust that life and salvation will have the final word.
He concluded by reminding pilgrims that they are called to return to daily life as witnesses of faith, hope, and charity in a world marked by division and fear.
The Holy Door of St Paul Outside the Walls is the third papal basilica door to be closed. The Holy Doors of St Mary Major and St John Lateran were closed earlier. Pope Leo XIV is expected to close the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on January 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany.