Pope Leo XIV Closes Holy Door, Ending Historic Jubilee Year

Historic Ceremony Marks End of Extraordinary Holy Year

In a solemn ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica on January 6, 2026, Pope Leo XIV closed the Holy Door, officially bringing to an end the 2025 Jubilee Year that attracted a record-breaking 33.5 million pilgrims to Rome. The event marked a historic moment as it was the first time in 300 years that a Holy Year was opened by one pope and closed by another, following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025.

Record-Breaking Pilgrimage Numbers

The 2025 Jubilee Year, also known as the Jubilee of Hope, exceeded all expectations with pilgrims arriving from 185 countries worldwide. According to Vatican statistics, Europe accounted for 62% of visitors, with Italy leading at more than one-third of all pilgrims, followed by the United States, Spain, Brazil, and Poland. 'We initially projected 31 million pilgrims, but the final count reached 33.5 million, demonstrating the enduring spiritual hunger in our world,' said Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization.

The infrastructure demands were immense: Rome's transport system recorded 97 million additional passenger journeys, Trenitalia operated 480 extra long-distance trains, and Fiumicino airport processed 8,000 daily arrivals through a dedicated 'Pilgrim Fast Lane'. Hotel occupancy reached 89% throughout the year, with short-term rental supply expanding by 15% to accommodate the influx.

A Transition Between Pontiffs

The Holy Door had been opened on Christmas Eve 2024 by Pope Francis, who entered St. Peter's Basilica in a wheelchair as the first pilgrim. 'This was a deeply moving moment, as Pope Francis, despite his declining health, wanted to personally inaugurate this spiritual journey for millions,' recalled Vatican correspondent Andrea Vreede. The pontiff passed away on April 21, 2025, and was succeeded by Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, the first American pope in history.

Pope Leo XIV, a 69-year-old former Augustinian missionary who spent years serving in Peru, brought his unique perspective to the closing ceremony. During his homily at the Epiphany Mass, he delivered pointed remarks about contemporary society: 'Let us ask ourselves: has the Jubilee taught us to flee from this kind of efficiency that reduces everything to a product and people to consumers?' He urged Christians to reflect on the biblical call to pursue peace and resist 'the flattery and temptation of the powerful.'

The 'Jubilee Method' Success Story

Rome and Vatican City faced unprecedented logistical challenges during the year-long event, which included approximately 35 extra Jubilee audiences in St. Peter's Square and youth days in July that attracted 1 million young people. The successful coordination between church and civil authorities has been dubbed the 'Jubilee Method' by Rome's mayor.

'This is all the result of fruitful cooperation, where political disputes were completely set aside,' explained Vatican officials. The collaboration involved 7,000 volunteers, including 5,000 general volunteers and 2,000 from the Order of Malta providing first aid services.

Economic Impact and Legacy

The Jubilee generated significant economic activity, with 3.7 billion euros ($4.32 billion) invested in 3,200 construction projects across Rome. These included infrastructure improvements, restoration of landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, and modernization of public transportation. While some residents expressed frustration with construction disruptions and housing market changes, city officials emphasized the long-term benefits.

In the coming days, the Holy Door will be completely bricked up from the inside, remaining sealed until the next Extraordinary Holy Year of Redemption in 2033, which will commemorate the 2000th anniversary of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. For now, Romans can enjoy their newly modernized city and breathe a sigh of relief that the pilgrimage crowds have departed.

'The signs of hope left by this Jubilee will continue to inspire us,' concluded Archbishop Fisichella, looking toward the future of the Catholic Church under its new leadership.