Volkswacht Bodensee - Last 'holy door' at St Peter's closes to end Catholic jubilee year

The ceremony to close the basilica's ornate bronze doors, followed by mass, was the final stage of a Catholic holy year inaugurated by Leo's predecessor, Francis, in December 2024.

From outside the vast basilica, the first US pope, dressed in ivory and gold ceremonial robes and mitre, kneeled to pray before the doors, before closing them solemnly.

"With a grateful heart, we prepare to close this holy door, supported by a multitude of faithful, sure that the good shepherd always has the door of his heart open to welcome us every time we feel tired and oppressed," said Leo, 70.

Preceded by white-clad cardinals, he then proceeded to the altar to preside over a mass attended by faithful and dignitaries, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The year of celebrations is a period of reflection and penance for the world's more than 1.4 billion Catholics.

It drew more than 33 million pilgrims to Rome from 185 countries, Vatican officials said Monday.

Francis, who died in April at age 88, opened the holy year on December 24, 2024, knocking on the same doors before they were opened.

During jubilee years, which are organised by the Church every 25 years, pilgrims who pass through holy doors benefit from a "plenary indulgence", a type of forgiveness for their sins.

Italian tour guide Gabriella Calciolari, who walked through the doors Monday afternoon, told AFP the experience was "beautiful".

"It's very moving, especially passing through the Holy Door. Not to mention the whole journey from Via della Conciliazione (leading to St Peter's) with the cross, arriving at Peter's tomb, praying," she said.

This jubilee was a rare two-pope one -- the last time a pope died during a "Holy Year" was in 1700.

The Christian feast day of Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi, or three wise men, to the baby Jesus. In Christian faith, it celebrates his manifestation as the son of God.

R.Flueckiger--VB