About Holy Doors

What is a Holy Door?

A Holy Door is a special door in a cathedral, basilica or other parish of special significance that becomes a pilgrimage site during a Jubilee Year. These are usually celebrated every 25 years, although the Pope can designate a Jubilee Year at other times, such as St. Pope John Paul II in 1983 and Pope Francis for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Walking through the Holy Door during a Jubilee Year is one of the conditions for receiving a Jubilee Indulgence. Learn more about the tradition of Holy Doors.

Where are they located?

The most prominent Holy Door is located at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. This door is famously sealed with brick and mortar until a Jubilee Year. However, the three other Papal Basilicas in Rome (St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside-the-Walls) also have Holy Doors, and the Basilicas of the Holy Land are likewise traditionally designated as Jubilee Churches. In the rest of the world, the Jubilee Churches will be the diocesan cathedral or any other locations where the local Ordinary decides to open a Door of Mercy.

Where are the Holy Doors in the Archdiocese of Toronto?

The Holy Doors in the Archdiocese of Toronto are officially opened on Sunday, December 13, 2015 (with the exception of Martyrs' Shrine, which opens May 7, 2016). Cardinal Thomas Collins has selected churches of special significance throughout our geographically vast Archdiocese. See our list of Holy Door locations.