The pope has officially closed a portal.
During a service meant to honor the “Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord,” Pope Leo XIV closed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, which Pope Francis had opened before his death to begin the Jubilee.
According to Vatican News, this symbolically ended the Jubilee year where “a stream of innumerable men and women, pilgrims of hope,” came to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Leo acknowledged the Basilica as “the new Jerusalem, the city whose doors are always open.“
During the mass, the pope said, “Today we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, aware that in his presence nothing stays the same.” He also further stated that while this was the end of the Jubilee, a prophetic promise was coming to pass: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
Before his death, Francis opened this mysterious portal and said, “Tonight, the door of hope has opened wide to the world…“And God speaks to each of us and says, ‘There is hope also for you!’”
As the Holy Door closes and the Jubilee year is sealed, the moment carries a weight that goes beyond ceremony and symbolism. Portals, doors and thresholds have always carried prophetic meaning in Scripture—marking transitions, seasons and divine turning points.
The Bible is unmistakably clear about where true hope and eternal access are found. Jesus declared, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved” (John 10:9). While earthly portals may open and close with the passing of leaders and seasons, Christ remains the only gateway that never shuts.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
