The Rome Jubilee 2025, or Holy Year, is just around the corner, and it promises to be one of the most exciting and spiritually enriching events to experience in Rome, the heart of Catholicism. Every 25 years, the Catholic Church celebrates this special year to offer pilgrims an opportunity to reflect, renew their faith, and seek forgiveness through spiritual events. The 2025 Jubilee is expected to draw millions of visitors from around the world, making it a unique moment in history. If you’re planning to visit Rome during this time, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Important Facts about the Jubilee
The theme. This Jubilee Year 2025 is Pilgrims of Hope, chosen to promote peacebuilding in a world threatened by climate change and ongoing wars.
The Holy Door Tradition: The tradition of opening the Holy Doors dates back to the year 1500 and has since been part of every Jubilee. Pilgrims who walk through the Holy Door during the Jubilee year are granted spiritual benefits, such as indulgences, symbolizing a fresh start.
The Role of St. Peter’s Basilica: During the Jubilee, St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most iconic religious buildings in the world, becomes the epicenter of the celebration. It is here that pilgrims from across the globe gather for mass and participate in spiritual rituals. Don’t miss the chance to visit the tomb of St. Peter and explore the magnificent interior with Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin.
In Rome, there are four Holy Doors. These doors are opened only during a Holy Year (Jubilee Year), symbolizing a path to spiritual renewal and forgiveness. These doors are symbols of God’s mercy, open to welcome everyone into the compassion of God’s love that Christ proclaimed. Many Christians walk through these doors to celebrate the year and seek forgiveness for all their sins. The five Holy Doors in Rome are:
St. Peter’s Basilica – The most important and well-known Holy Door, located in the Vatican. The 2025 Jubilee officially opens on December 24, 2024 at 7pm, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father.
St. John Lateran Basilica – As the cathedral of the Pope and the official seat of the Bishop of Rome, this oldest basilica in Rome has a Holy Door which used to be the first and the only one for a while. It is opened for the Jubilee on December 29, 2024.
St. Mary Major Basilica – Another significant pilgrimage site in Rome, known for its stunning mosaics, with its own Holy Door that is opened for the Jubilee on January 01, 2025.
St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica – This basilica with impressive mosaics, which houses the tomb of St. Paul, also has a Holy Door for pilgrims to walk through during the Jubilee which is opened on January 05, 2025.
These Holy Doors are special for the Jubilee, and passing through them is considered a significant spiritual act for pilgrims seeking forgiveness and a closer connection to their faith.
Other Must-Visit Places in Rome During the Jubilee
Rome is home to some of the most breathtaking and historical religious sites. During the Rome tours, visitors can explore these sacred places and immerse themselves in the spiritual energy of the city. Be sure to include these significant locations in your itinerary:
1. The Vatican Museums: A visit to the Vatican Museums is essential to understanding Rome’s deep connection with the Catholic faith. The Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, is one of the most famous sites in the world.
2. The Pope’s summer residence: the Pontifical Villas and Gardens in Castel Gandolfo, part of the Castelli Romani area. The Papal Gardens are an exceptional place to visit.
3. Holy Cross in Jerusalem Basilica – Located in the eastern part of Rome, this basilica is known for housing important relics, including a part of the True Cross.
4. Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps: While not directly linked to the religious aspects of the Jubilee, the Spanish Steps will be a place for pilgrims and tourists alike to relax and gather, and it’s near the Trinità dei Monti Church, which is a beautiful site.
5. The Catacombs: Discover the underground burial sites that are key to understanding early Christian history and the lives of early martyrs. Exploring these unique spots will make your Italy Jubilee 2025 experience even more meaningful.
Key Dates for the 2025 Jubilee
The Jubilee Year officially begins at 7pm on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. This marks the beginning of a period filled with religious events, pilgrimages, and special masses. The Pope grants plenary indulgence to Jubilee pilgrims.
Each month will be dedicated to particular themes and significant events will be organized to celebrate faith and unity, with ample chances to engage in ceremonies, pilgrimages, and acts of compassion. We are highlighting just several dates below. Complete official Jubilee calendar can be found here: Calendar of Major Events
Easter 2025 (April 20, 2025) – Major celebrations: Easter is one of the central moments of the Jubilee. Expect grand processions, liturgical celebrations, and events focused on the Resurrection, including the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum and the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square. These events will attract thousands of pilgrims and will be broadcast live worldwide.
Jubilee of Youth (July 28 – August 3) – July will be dedicated to the youth, with the international youth gathering in Rome. Concerts, workshops, prayer meetings, and sharing moments will be organized, promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
Holy Year Closing Ceremony (December 2025): The year will conclude with a grand ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica and the closing of the Holy Door.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip During the Jubilee
- Plan Ahead: With millions of pilgrims expected to visit, hotels and accommodations will fill up quickly. Booking early is highly recommended. Also, plan your visits to the major basilicas and key events well in advance to make the most of your trip and discover the places to visit in Rome
- Dress Modestly: Remember that Rome is a religious hub, and modest dress is required for entry into churches and sacred sites. For men, this means covering your shoulders and knees, and for women, dresses or skirts below the knee with covered shoulders.
- Embrace the Spiritual Experience: While Rome offers many sights and attractions, the Jubilee in Rome 2025 is an opportunity for deep reflection and spirituality. Attend mass, walk the pilgrimage routes, and take time to meditate in the sacred spaces.
- Be Ready for Crowds: Rome is always bustling, but during the Jubilee, expect crowds to be especially large around the Vatican and major basilicas. Prepare for queues, and if you can, visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak times.
- Don’t Forget to Explore Beyond the Vatican: While the Vatican is the heart of the Jubilee, Rome’s history stretches far beyond it. Explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the vibrant neighborhoods like Trastevere and Monti. See the list of walking tours with an audio guide offered by WorldMuseum.
- Special Jubilee Events: Keep an eye out for special Jubilee events, including masses, processions, and concerts in Rome’s basilicas and piazzas. Some events might require pre-registration, so be sure to check with local event organizers.
- Transportation Tips: Rome is a walkable city, but during the Jubilee, traffic may be heavier. Consider using public transportation or walking to explore the city to avoid delays.
Conclusion
The Rome Jubilee 2025 in Rome will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, a perfect blend of spiritual renewal, history, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re visiting for the religious significance, the history, or simply to witness the grandeur of this exceptional event, there is something for everyone during the Holy Year. Make sure to plan ahead, embrace the spiritual journey, and take time to explore all that this incredible city has to offer during one of its most historic moments.