a Guide – Roaming Historian

Millions of pilgrims will travel to Vatican City (and surrounding Rome) to participate in the sacred events planned for 2025. The pope officially opened the Holy Year with the rite of the Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter at 7pm on December 24. After he presided over a mass celebrating Christ’s birth, the Jubilee year started and the festivities will be on all year.

What is Jubilee?

The Jubilee is a holy year for the Catholic community that occurs once every 25 years (generally, sometimes the pope declares a special one like in 2016). Rome, the Eternal City will host major religious events through the year, drawing pilgrims from all over the world. The Jubilee Calendar will have specific jubilees throughout the year for various groups and diocese.

This year’s theme is “Pilgrims of Hope.” As Pope Francis wrote in his letter, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope.” https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/lettera-di-papa-francesco.html  

Here is an interesting history I found on the official Jubilee website; it starts in 1300, so for the sake of brevity, I’ll let you peruse it yourself: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/giubilei-nella-storia.html

Visiting Rome during the Jubilee will be an important journey for practicing Catholics. Although the main pilgrimage sites are the four papal basilicas and their holy doors, Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Basilica), Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John’s in Lateran), Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura (St. Paul’s outside the wall), there will be celebrations and events all around Rome. If you’re interested in attending Jubillee events, you will need a Pilgrim’s card. Information about this free digital pass can be obtained here: https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/carta-del-pellegrino.html

When is Jubilee?

The Jubilee year will run from December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026. During this time, the four holy doors will be open.

What events are occurring during the Jubilee?

Here is the…