The Door of Death


In the past funeral processions left the basilica through this door, so it was originally known as the Door of Judgement. It was ordered by Pope John XXIII (1959-1963) who commissioned the sculptor Giacomo Manzu to create this modern bronze masterpiece. He brilliantly developed the theme of Death that leads to holiness.

1) The death of two of the greatest figures who ever had human form: Christ as he is being taken down from the cross, and the Virgin Mary, just dead, rapidly ascending to heaven so that her pure body not be corrupted by the
tomb;

2) this high relief, a sign of Christian hope, depicts the cut vine and stalks of wheat: their "deaths" give us bread and wine, symbols of the Eucharist and antidotes of death, because "he who eats of this bread will have eternal life".

3) this panel is filled with solemn drama: a) the violent death of an innocent (Abel) and the serene death of the just (St. Joseph); b) the awful death of the first pope, (St. Peter) and the holy death at prayer (John XXIII); c) the cruel death of the first martyr (St. Stephen) and the bitter death of Pope Gregory VII in exile; d) agonizing death in space and the sorrowful death of the mother who outlives her child.

4) even the six animals below the last panels recall the drama of death, with an admonition to remain faithful.

5) On the inner part of the door; in addition to the artist's handprint, there are two scenes that refer to the second Vatican council. The door handles themselves recall the theme of death: they are shaped like handkerchiefs, used to wipe away tears of sorrow.