The 16 reliefs of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Vico Consorti and installed in 1950, are arranged in four vertical rows and each panel depicts biblical or symbolic scenes that highlight the theme of salvation and divine mercy. It is important to understand that we are in the History of Salvation, so we should not only look at these reliefs as artistic beauty but also as a Catechesis. The reliefs are detailed below:
First row (top)
1. Original sin (Genesis 3:1-7)
It depicts Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, which marks the entrance of sin into the world.
2. The expulsion from Paradise (Genesis 3:23-24)
Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity.
3. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of the Savior, marking the beginning of redemption.
4. The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)
Nativity scene, with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, representing the incarnation of God.
Second row
5. The Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
Jesus is shown caring for his sheep, symbolizing his love and guidance for humanity.
6. The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)
Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of his public mission.
7. Jesus forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11)
Scene of mercy in which Jesus says: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
8. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)
Represents Jesus’ power over death and his ability to bring new life.
Third Row
9. The Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20)
Jesus institutes the Eucharist as his body and blood at the last supper with his disciples.
10. The Crucifixion (Luke 23:33-49)
Jesus dies on the cross, the ultimate act of love to redeem humanity.
11. The Resurrection (Luke 24:1-12)
Jesus rises from the dead, conquering sin and death.
12. The Giving of the Keys to Peter (Matthew 16:18-19)
Jesus gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom, symbolizing the authority of the Church.
Fourth row (bottom)
13. The conversion of St. Paul (Acts 9:1-19)
Paul, a persecutor of Christians, is transformed by an encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus.
14. The Pope opening the Holy Door
Represents the symbolic act of opening the door during a Jubilee Year, indicating the beginning of a time of grace.
15. The crowd of pilgrims crossing the Holy Door
Reflects the faith of the faithful who seek reconciliation and salvation by crossing the door.
16. The return of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)
Scene of mercy in which the father welcomes his son with open arms, symbolizing God’s forgiveness.
General symbolism
The reliefs narrate from sin and separation from God to redemption and reconciliation through Christ. The Holy Door is, in itself, an invitation to cross the threshold into a renewed life, recalling the mercy and salvation that God offers to all the faithful.
