Pope Francis opens Holy Door at St Mary Major

Pope Francis opening the Holy Door at the Basilica of Mary Major, 1/1/2016

(Vatican Radio) -

Pope Francis on Friday evening celebrated Mass and opened the Holy Door at the papal Basilica of St Mary Major

The Basilica of St Mary Major, also known as Our Lady of the Snows, is one of the oldest churches dedicated to the Mother of God, and the largest in the world. So it was particularly appropriate that the Pope chose the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God to open the Holy Door at one of Rome’s most beloved churches.

Listen to the report from Vatican Radio here.

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Watch the opening of the Holy Door on demand here at Rome Reports with the opening actually happening at the 9 minute mark.

Photos of the opening of the Holy Door from Getty Images here.

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