Vatican to open five 'sacred portals' on Christmas Eve
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The Vatican is set to open sacred portals for the first time in 25 years to uphold a Biblical tradition. The opening of five Holy Doors, starting on Christmas Eve, marks the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee Year. Jubilees have been celebrated every 25 years since Christians adopted the tradition in 1300 and this year's theme is 'Pilgrims of Hope'.
![[The Catholic church began the ritual on December 2, praying at the door in St Peter's Basilica and removing a metal box (pictured)that held a key, which was followed by ceremonies at the other four doors]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/09/15/92959021-14173747-image-a-2_1733757574420.jpg)
Pope Francis has invited Catholics to focus on hope as the world suffers from the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis. He also encourages Catholics to reconnect with God and renew their focus on their spiritual life. The opening of the Holy Doors symbolizes the doorway to salvation.
![[The first Holy Door was opened in 1425, the archbasilica of St. John Lateran. This is the oldest church in Rome being built in 324 AD.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/09/18/92963369-14173747-The_first_Holy_Door_was_opened_in_1425_the_archbasilica_of_St_Jo-a-20_1733767598637.jpg)
The doors are located at the basilicas of St Peter, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul Outside the Walls, which are all within a 30 minute drive of the Vatican in Italy. For the first time, the Pope will also being opening on at the Rebibbia prison, Italy's largest correction facility, but as delivering a message of hope to prisoners.
![[The Basilica of Saint Paul is the second largest basilica after St Peter's and is believed to be the burial site of St Paul. It has been a pilgrimage destination since 300AD]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/09/18/92963365-14173747-The_Basilica_of_Saint_Paul_is_the_second_largest_basilica_after_-a-19_1733767598635.jpg)
Some of the churches are said to house remains of saints and are the oldest basilicas in the world. The Catholic church began the ritual on December 2, praying at the door in St Peter's Basilica and removing a metal box that held a key, which was followed by ceremonies at the other four doors.
![[The process involves removing the brick wall that covers the door (pictured inside St Peter's) from the inside of the basilica, followed by the Pope pushing the door open to signal the beginning of the Holy Year]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/09/18/92959023-14173747-The_process_involves_removing_the_brick_wall_that_covers_the_doo-a-23_1733767598887.jpg)
