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

On the occasion of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, on 6 January 2026, Pope Leo XIV will close the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, the last still open among the papal basilicas of Rome, thereby formally concluding the Holy Year, which began on 24 December 2024.

In continuity with the practice established beginning in 1975—and further simplified by Saint John Paul II during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000—the rite, which will begin at 9:30 a.m., no longer includes the public walling-up of the door, but is limited to the closing of the door leaves.

The Pope will recite the prayer of thanksgiving for the Ordinary Holy Year. The formula prescribed by the rite states: “This Holy Door is closed, but the door of Your mercy is not closed,” and continues with an invocation that the “treasures” of divine grace may remain open, “so that, at the end of our earthly pilgrimage, we may knock with confidence at the door of Your house and enjoy the fruits of the tree of life.”

Subsequently, while the antiphon “O clavis David” is sung, the Pope will approach the Holy Door. He will step onto the threshold, kneel, and, after a moment of silent prayer, will personally close the two great bronze door leaves. This gesture underscores that the Jubilee time comes to an end, while God’s mercy always remains open.

Immediately following the closing of the Holy Door, the Pope will preside over the Holy Mass for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord inside St Peter’s Basilica.