The Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica was sealed in a solemn ceremony, marking the final rite of the Jubilee Year of Hope. This momentous occasion was presided over by the Archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, and the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli.
Just a week ago, Pope Leo XIV closed the Holy Door, the last of the four at the major papal basilicas. The sealing ceremony was a private event, held on Friday evening, and was a symbolic closure to the Jubilee Year.
Cardinal Gambetti and Archbishop Ravelli performed the sealing rite, which involved placing a bronze container, known as a 'capsa', inside a wall constructed with 3,200 bricks within the Basilica. The 'capsa' was engraved with the coats of arms of both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, who opened and closed the Jubilee Year, respectively.
Inside the 'capsa', a series of items were placed, including a metal container with parchment attesting to the opening and closing of the Holy Door, medals from the pontificates of both Popes, and commemorative medals for the decade between the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016 and the Jubilee of Hope in 2025. Additionally, a medal marked the 2025 Sede Vacante period was included.
The bronze container was then placed in a lead box, which was sealed and shut. Cardinal Gambetti and Archbishop Ravelli symbolically marked the final phase of the sealing rite by placing two bricks. They recited the Lord's Prayer and a final blessing, signifying the closure of the Jubilee Year of Hope.
This ceremony was a significant moment in the Catholic Church's calendar, and the sealed Holy Door will remain closed until the next Jubilee Year. Thank you for reading our article. Stay informed by subscribing to our daily newsletter.
