The Jubilee Year 2025, declared by Pope Francis under the slogan "Pilgrims of Hope", will be a special spiritual event for Catholics around the world. During the year, Rome and the Vatican will host a series of festive events, including the opening of the Holy Door, pilgrimage routes, special masses, art exhibitions and concerts. Find out what the Jubilee Year is known for in the Vatican, what traditions are associated with its celebration and what events pilgrims and tourists should visit in 2025

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Pope Francis has officially declared 2025 as the next Jubilee Year under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”. Jubilee Year 2025 is a special holy year in Rome and the Vatican, as well as throughout Italy, starting with Christmas 2024 and ending with Epiphany 2026. It will be the 27th Jubilee in the history of the Church.

The traditions of celebration and the main events of the Jubilee Year in the Vatican and Rome are further in this article.

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What is a Jubilee Year?

A Jubilee Year, or Holy Year, is a special event in the Catholic Church, celebrated every 25 years. It is a time for pilgrimage, prayer, forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

The tradition of the Jubilee Year dates back to 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Holy Year. Originally intended to be celebrated every 100 years, the Church later decided to hold it every 50 years and eventually every 25 years, allowing each generation to experience at least one Jubilee.

What are the traditions of celebrating the Jubilee Year?

In St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a special Holy Door is opened this year, symbolizing the path to salvation. Pilgrims who pass through the door can receive a plenary indulgence, that is, the remission of all temporal punishments for sins.

The Holy Doors of the three other great papal basilicas in Rome – St. John Lateran, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls and Santa Maria Maggiore – are also opened during the Jubilee.

During the Jubilee Year, the Vatican is visited by many pilgrims, making it a truly great celebration for all of Italy.

Main events of the Rome Jubilee 2025 in the Vatican and Rome

During the year, special events dedicated to the Jubilee Year will take place both in the Vatican and throughout Rome. Key among them are the following events:

1. Opening and closing of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica

- December 24, 2024 – The official beginning of the Jubilee will be marked by the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica by Pope Francis. This symbolizes the beginning of a year of grace and spiritual renewal.

- December 2025 – The Holy Year will conclude with a solemn closing ceremony, during which the Pope will seal the Holy Door.

Photo – vaticannews.va

2. Pilgrimage Route ("Cammino della Speranza")

A special pilgrimage route ("Cammino della Speranza") will be created in the historic center of Rome, leading visitors to the four main basilicas (St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and Santa Maria Maggiore).

Pilgrims who follow this route will have the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence and participate in special prayers.

3. Special papal audiences and masses

Pope Francis will hold public audiences in St. Peter's Square throughout 2025.

Key religious groups (youth, families, the sick and the elderly) will have special days of prayer.

4. Large-scale religious celebrations

There will be special masses and blessings in key religious sites throughout Rome.

The Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) will take place in the Colosseum on Good Friday 2025, focusing on the themes of hope and reconciliation.

5. Art and cultural exhibitions

Museums and churches in Rome will host exhibitions of sacred art, featuring works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini.

The Vatican Museums may organize a special exhibition of historical relics and manuscripts related to past Jubilee Years.

Photo – thevaticanmuseums.com

6. Jubilee concerts and festivals

Rome will host classical and sacred music concerts in venues such as the Auditorium Parco della Musica and historic churches.

The city is also expected to organize open-air concerts with performances by renowned international artists in Piazza del Popolo and the Circus Maximus.

7. Infrastructure improvements for the Jubilee

The city of Rome is investing heavily in transport and infrastructure projects to prepare for the influx of visitors.

The metro system, roads and pedestrian areas around the Vatican will be renovated, and a new Jubilee pedestrian path will be created from St. Peter’s Square to Castel Sant’Angelo.

Public transport will have special Jubilee passes for tourists.

8. Food and cultural events

Restaurants will create special “Jubilee menus”, offering traditional Roman and Italian dishes inspired by the pilgrimage tradition. Gastronomic festivals will be dedicated to ancient recipes and traditional Catholic cuisine.

What to see in the Vatican during the Jubilee Year?

If you are planning a trip during the Jubilee, here are the places to visit in the Vatican:

1. St. Peter's Basilica and the Holy Door

A spiritual heart, don't miss Michelangelo's Pieta, Bernini's Baldachin, and St. Peter's Tomb.

2. Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Visit one of the world's greatest art collections, including Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's rooms.

3. St. Peter's Square

A captivating place where thousands of pilgrims gather to see the Pope and participate in public blessings.

4. The Four Papal Basilicas

In addition to St. Peter's, the other three major basilicas in Rome will also have the Holy Doors open to pilgrims.

5. Vatican Gardens

During your tour, relax by the fountain, surrounded by lush greenery.

Photo – walksinsiderome.com

Interesting facts about the Jubilee Year

- The 2025 Jubilee will be the first Holy Year in the era of widespread social media, meaning a more digital, global event.

- The last Extraordinary Jubilee was in 2016 and was dedicated to Mercy. Extraordinary Jubilees are called for special reasons. The 2015 Jubilee was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second Vatican Council and focused on Mercy. Before this Jubilee began on November 29, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door at Notre Dame Cathedral in Bangui, showing support for the Central African Republic, which has been through a civil war.

- In the past, pilgrims walked for months to reach Rome for the Jubilee Year, often barefoot, as an act of penance.

- The Holy Door is usually closed. It is only opened during the Jubilee Year. The opening of the Holy Door symbolizes the journey from sin to grace for every Christian and marks the beginning of the Jubilee.

- There are other Holy Doors around the world, approved by the Pope, where people can receive a plenary indulgence. Some of these include the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L'Aquila, the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Quebec, the Cathedral of Atri, and the Holy Door in New Delhi.

Useful tips for visiting the Vatican during the Jubilee

- Plan ahead

Millions of people will visit Rome, so book your flights and hotels well in advance. Cities such as Rome, Venice, and Florence are expected to receive around 32 million pilgrims during this time.

- Arrive early

Expect long lines at the main sites in the Vatican.

- Dress modestly

There is a strict dress code in the churches (no shorts, sleeveless tops or miniskirts).

- Use public transport

Traffic in Rome will be heavy, so it is better to use the metro or buses.

- Take care of your water

Summer months can be very hot, so bring a reusable water bottle with you.

- Learn basic Italian

Tourists will find it useful to know phrases such as Grazie (thank you) and Dov’è il Vaticano? (Where is the Vatican?).

Why you should visiting Vatican city?

Visiting the Vatican offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in centuries of art, history, and culture. As the spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic Church, it is home to iconic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the world’s most renowned masterpieces. The Vatican’s architectural grandeur, combined with its historical significance, makes it an essential destination for those interested in religion, art, or history.

Beyond its cultural importance, the Vatican also provides a profound, peaceful atmosphere. Whether exploring the tranquil Vatican Gardens or participating in a Papal Audience, the Vatican offers moments of reflection and connection. Its blend of artistic heritage and spiritual significance makes it a must-see for travelers seeking an enriching experience in one of the world’s smallest yet most impactful states.

The Vatican Jubilee Year 2025 is a unique spiritual and cultural event that brings together pilgrims from all over the world. Whether you are coming for religious reasons or just to soak up the atmosphere, it is a unique opportunity to see Rome at its most vibrant and sacred.

Start planning your trip now to make sure you visit this extraordinary event!

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Reminder! The Via dell'Amore tourist trail was closed in 2012, during which time the route was under reconstruction. Find out what Via dell'Amore is famous for and how to book a ticket for one of the most popular routes in Italy.

Photo – insidethevatican.com

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