Today in Rome, the Holy Door of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran—the Cathedral of the Pope—was solemnly closed, marking the end of this stage of the Jubilee of Hope. As the door is sealed, the faithful are reminded that Christ Himself remains the true gate to mercy and salvation. This door will remain closed until 2033, when the Church will celebrate 2,000 years of the Resurrection of Christ. Two Holy Doors remain open in Rome: at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls and at St. Peter’s Basilica. | C

On the Feast of the Holy Family, His Eminence Cardinal James Harvey closed the third Holy Door of the Jubilee Year at the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. This ends the Jubilee Year in the particular Churches and leaves the last remaining Holy Door open at St. Peter’s Basilica, which Pope Leo will close on January 6th. #popeleoxiv #holydoor #jubileeyear | Catholic News Agency

“Merry Christmas! May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts and in your families.” Pope Leo said in English following his first Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” message, wishing Merry Christmas in 10 languages: Italian, French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Latin. The “Urbi et Orbi” blessing extends to Rome and the world on Christmas day as the Pope comes to the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica | Catholic News Agency