MOMENT: Pope Leo closes Holy Door to end Jubilee

Pope Leo closed the Catholic Church's Holy Year on Tuesday (January 6, 2026), sealing shut a special "Holy Door" in St. Peter's Basilica.

Holy years, or jubilees, typically occur every 25 years and are considered a time of peace, forgiveness and pardon. Pilgrims to Rome can enter special "Holy Doors" at four Rome basilicas, and can see the pope at special audiences throughout the year.

At 9:41 am (0841 GMT) on Tuesday, Leo, dressed in gold-trimmed robes, pulled shut the special doors at St. Peter's, officially ending the year.

The next holy year is not expected before 2033, when the Church may have a special one to mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus.

Production: Clara Schoenthaler/Reuters