In a moving ceremony that marked the end of an extraordinary year of faith, Pope Leo XIV closed the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, completing a historic Jubilee that brought together an estimated 33 million pilgrims from around the world in a powerful display of spiritual unity.

The closing ceremony was particularly meaningful as it represented only the second time in history—the first since 1700—that one pope opened a Holy Year and another closed it. This rare transition added profound significance to an already remarkable celebration of faith that began under Pope Francis in December 2024 and continued through his passing, demonstrating the enduring strength and continuity of the Catholic Church.

Kneeling in prayer at the threshold of the Holy Door before gently pulling the ancient doors closed, Pope Leo symbolically completed a year-long journey that welcomed seekers, visitors, and faithful from every corner of the globe. The Jubilee served as a beautiful reminder of Rome's 700-year tradition as a beacon of hope and spiritual renewal, dating back to the first Holy Year in 1300.

In his inspiring homily, Pope Leo reflected on the transformative lessons of the Jubilee year, encouraging the faithful to carry forward the spirit of welcome and compassion. He called on Christians to see beyond surface differences and recognize the common humanity that binds us all—seeing pilgrims in visitors, seekers in strangers, and fellow travelers in those who may seem different.

The Holy Year brought tremendous positive change to Rome itself. The Italian government invested 4.3 billion euros in infrastructure projects that lifted the city's neighborhoods, improved accessibility, and created beautiful new public spaces for residents and visitors alike. The crown jewel of these improvements was a stunning pedestrian piazza along the Tiber River, connecting historic landmarks and creating inviting spaces for community gathering.

For the Vatican, the Jubilee represents a centuries-old tradition of spiritual renewal, offering the faithful an opportunity to visit the sacred tombs of Saints Peter and Paul and experience the transformative power of pilgrimage. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Jubilee organizer, expressed gratitude for the millions who made the journey to Rome, celebrating the successful coordination of countless special audiences, Masses, and meetings throughout the year.

As Pope Leo prepares to meet with cardinals from around the world this week to discuss the future direction of the 1.4-billion-strong Catholic Church, he carries forward the momentum and hope generated by this extraordinary Jubilee. Looking ahead with optimism, Pope Leo has already announced that the next Jubilee will take place in 2033, commemorating what Christians believe was the resurrection of Christ—offering the faithful another opportunity to gather, reflect, and celebrate their shared values of love, compassion, and unity.

The 2025 Holy Year stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith to bring people together across borders and backgrounds, creating moments of grace and transformation that will resonate for years to come.