TARLAKENYO (Jan. 7, 2026) — Pope Leo XIV formally closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Solemnity of the Epiphany, marking the official conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.
In a Mass attended by some 5,800 faithful, the Pope sealed the last of the Holy Doors opened for the Jubilee, which had welcomed over 33 million pilgrims since its opening by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve 2024. The gesture symbolized the end of a spiritual journey for what the Pope called “a stream of innumerable men and women, pilgrims of hope.”
In his homily, reflecting on the Gospel story of the Magi and Herod, Pope Leo contrasted the joy of seeking God with the fear of losing control. “Every time Sacred Scripture speaks of God manifesting himself,” he said, “it does not hide the contrasting reactions, such as joy and agitation, resistance and obedience, fear and longing.” He urged the Church not to fear those who search for meaning, but to “appreciate it, and orient it toward God who sustains us.”
What is a Jubilee Year?
A jubilee, or “holy year,” is a special period in the Catholic Church traditionally celebrated every 25 years, though extraordinary jubilees may also be proclaimed. Rooted in Jewish tradition, it is intended as a time to restore one’s relationship with God and others, often associated with forgiveness and renewal.
The most recent ordinary jubilee was in 2000, followed by the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2015–2016 under Pope Francis. The Holy Doors are next scheduled to reopen in 2033 for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Redemption, commemorating the 2,000th anniversary of the death of Jesus Christ.
Local Celebration in the Diocese of Tarlac
The closing of the Jubilee Year was also observed locally in the Philippines. In the Diocese of Tarlac, Most Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D., presided over a Mass held also on Tuesday at San Sebastian Cathedral to conclude the Jubilee Year of Hope. Reflecting on the Holy Family, Bishop Mallari shared: “Ang buhay ng Banal na Mag-anak ay puno ng mga pagsubok at walang katiyakan, subalit nanatili silang matatag sa kanilang pananampalataya’t pag-asa na hindi sila pababayaan ng Diyos.”
He emphasized that the Holy Family exemplifies hope and trust in God’s promises. In his closing message, he encouraged the faithful: “Sa pagtatapos ng Jubileo ng Pag-asa, palagi nating ilagay sa ating harapan ang Banal na Pamilya, nawa’y makakuha tayo ng lakas mula sa kanilang mga halimbawa.”
A Door Closed, Mercy Remains Open
Before sealing the bronze Holy Door, Pope Leo XIV knelt in prayer and reminded the faithful that while the physical door is closed, God’s mercy “remains always open to those who seek Him with sincere hearts.”
The Pope concluded his homily with a call to remain pilgrims of hope: “It is wonderful to become pilgrims of hope. It is wonderful for us to continue to be pilgrims together.” He expressed his prayer that the Church may become “the generation of a new dawn,” guided by Mary toward “an extraordinary humanity, transformed not by the delusions of the all-powerful, but by God who became flesh out of love.”
