Jubilee: The rite for the closing of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica

Vatican News•January 5, 2026•general

Key Points:

On 6 January 2026, Pope Leo XIV will close the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, officially concluding the Holy Year that began on 24 December 2024.
The closing ceremony, starting at 9:30 a.m., will omit the traditional public walling-up and instead focus on closing the door leaves, following a practice established since 1975 and simplified by Saint John Paul II in 2000.
During the rite, the Pope will recite a prayer emphasizing that while the Holy Door is closed, God's mercy remains open, and will personally close the two bronze door leaves after a moment of silent prayer.
After closing the door, the Pope will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity