St. Peter’s Basilica was the scene of an emotional ceremony that brought the celebration of the Jubilee of 2025 even closer. In the solemn ceremony, known as recognitio, the integrity of the Holy Door was verified, which, after having been closed during the last Holy Year, is ready to be opened again. This event marks a crucial step towards the great celebration of the Jubilee, which will be inaugurated by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve.

A Ceremony of Expectation and Tradition

The rite began with a prayer led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, arch priest of the Vatican Basilica. After this moment of contemplation, the “sampietrini” (Vatican workers) tore down the wall that had sealed the Holy Door since it was closed in November 2016, at the end of the Jubilee of Mercy. With a blow of a hammer and chisel, the space was opened to recover a sealed metal box containing, among other items, the key that will allow Pope Francis to open the door on the evening of December 24, marking the beginning of the Jubilee.

Cardinal Gambetti led a procession to the Altar of Confession, where a moment of prayer was dedicated. Afterward, the group went to the Chapter House, where the box recovered from the Holy Door was opened, revealing several symbolic objects.

The Contents of the Box

Inside the box were found important items, such as the key to the Holy Door, the door handles, the Rogito scroll certifying its closure, four golden bricks and several medals, including some from the pontificates of Popes Francis, Benedict XVI and John Paul II. These objects will be given to Pope Francis as part of the opening ceremony of the upcoming Jubilee.

Other “Recognitio” Ceremonies in the Pontifical Basilicas

This rite did not only take place in St. Peter’s, but will be repeated in other pontifical basilicas. The same ceremony will be held at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on December 3, at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on December 5, and at Santa Maria Maggiore on December 6, in an act that reinforces the solemnity and spiritual significance of the imminent opening of the Jubilee 2025.

The recognitio of the Holy Door is a rite of great importance for the Catholic Church, symbolizing the preparation and spiritual renewal that the Jubilee will bring to the faithful throughout the world.