The holy door of St. Peters in Rome has been opened by Pope Pius. With a hammer of gold he pounded on the black marble cross in the center of the walled in door. The heavy masonry undermined in advance gave way and the door, usually opened only once in twenty five years, opened to commemorate the nineteen hundredth anniversary of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. The opening of this holy door, one of the most solemn and important rituals in the church, marked the beginning of the present holy year, declared by the pope. The door sill was washed clear of masonry debris with holy water especially blessed, and dried with a special cloth. All religions united with the pope in hoping that this year will see the end of a depression that has afflicted the whole world.