Pope Francis has declared that the Universal Catholic Church will observe a Jubilee Year of Mercy from December 8, 2015, to November 20, 2016. The pope made the declaration in front of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. The Holy Door is usually bricked up, but is opened during a Jubilee year.

WHAT IS THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY? Jubilee years occur about every 25 years—the last occurred in 2000. These holy years are led with special celebrations and pilgrimages, strong calls for conversion and repentance, and the opportunity to experience God’s grace through the sacraments, especially confession.