Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, and officially closed the observance of the Holy Year dedicated to hope. Before the Mass, the Pope, cardinals and bishops present in Rome, including Trenton’s own Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., gathered in the atrium of the basilica and gave thanks to God for the gifts received during the Holy Year. The Pope went to the threshold of the Holy Door and pulled each side shut. The door will be sealed until the next Holy Year, which is likely to be 2033, the 2000th anniversary of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.
An estimated 33 million visitors and pilgrims came to the Vatican to celebrate the Jubilee Year, exceeding early forecasts, according to Vatican officials. That represents more than 90,000 people a day. Data collected solely from registered pilgrims showed that visitors from the United States ranked second only to Italy, accounting for nearly 13 percent of the total number of registered visitors. Pilgrims from more than 185 countries participated in the Jubilee Year.
Faithful of the Diocese of Trenton joined their counterparts from around the world in observing the Jubilee of Hope – dedicating many parish and diocesan events in 2025 to the Holy Year theme. Pilgrims from the Diocese traveled to Rome in groups, as families and as individuals, to take part in the Jubilee celebrations throughout the year.
PHOTO AT TOP: Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 6, 2026, at the Vatican, marking the official end of the Jubilee Year. CNS photo/Vatican Media