Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Vatican to Seal Holy Doors, Conspiracy Theories Emerge
The Vatican is closing its special Holy Doors.
These doors are part of a tradition that started a long time ago, in 1300.
They are opened every 25 years during a special time called the Jubilee, which is a time for celebration and forgiveness.
The doors are at different churches in the Vatican, and the last one will be closed in 2026.
Some people believe these doors are magical portals to hell, but the Vatican says they are just a symbol of hope and salvation.
The doors will stay closed until 2050.
The Pope is the one who opens and closes these doors, and when they are closed, they are sealed with bricks and mortar.
There is also a new Holy Door at a prison, but it's not clear when it will be closed.
Vatican to seal four Holy Doors starting December 25, 2025, with the last one closing in January 2026.
Doors will remain closed until 2050, following the Jubilee tradition that began in 1300.
Pope Francis added a fifth Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison, with no announced closure date.
Conspiracy theories suggest the doors are 'portals to hell' or Satanic gateways, despite no biblical mention.
Doors are sealed with brick and mortar, opened by the Pope during the Jubilee for spiritual renewal.
- Who
- Vatican, Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV, Conspiracy Theorists
- What
- Sealing of Holy Doors, Conspiracy Theories
- When
- Dec 25, 27, 28, 2025; Jan 6, 2026; Next opening in 2050
- Where
- Vatican, St Mary Major Basilica, St. John Lateran Basilica, St Paul Outside the Walls, St Peter's Basilica, Rebibbia Prison
- Why
- End of Jubilee, Tradition since 1300, Spiritual Renewal
- Number of Holy Doors
- 4 (plus 1 at Rebibbia Prison)
- Sealing Dates
- Dec 25, 27, 28, 2025; Jan 6, 2026
- Next Opening
- 2050
- Tradition Started
- 1300
- Sealing Method
- Brick and mortar