JUBILEE AND THE HOLY DOORS, The Holy Doors Of Saint Peter And Saint John Lateran

The Holy Doors of the four papal basilicas of Rome, besides being symbols of great spiritual significance, are genuine works of art with fascinating aspects worth exploring.

Let's start with the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, undoubtedly the most iconic, as its opening officially marks the beginning of the Jubilee celebrations. This masterpiece was created by the Tuscan sculptor Vico Consorti in 1950 on the occasion of the Jubilee proclaimed by Pope Pius XII.

The door, which weighs over 2 tons, is finely decorated with sixteen bronze panels, each depicting biblical episodes related to salvation, as well as the coats of arms of some of the popes who celebrated jubilees. Among the most significant panels are those portraying the “Annunciation to Mary”, the “Original Sin”, and the “Crucifixion of Christ”. Each panel was crafted with great attention to detail, and the scenes are not merely static representations but convey a sense of movement and drama. The chosen themes are meant to remind pilgrims of the importance of the journey of faith and spiritual conversion.

You should know that this is the only Holy Door of the four papal basilicas in Rome that was not replaced during the Jubilee of 2000....