Jubilee of Rome 2025: All about the celebration of the Holy Year in Rome

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The Jubilee of Rome 2025 promises to be one of the most significant events of the Catholic Church in the 21st century. Also known as the Holy Year, this centenary celebration attracts millions of faithful and tourists from all over the world, who flock to the Eternal City to participate in ceremonies, pilgrimages and cultural activities.

If you want to make a getaway to Rome and you want to know more about the most important aspects of the Jubilee of Rome 2025, have a look at the following points.

What is the Jubilee: Meaning and Themes

The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a celebration deeply rooted in the tradition of the Catholic Church. It was officially instituted in the year 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, although its origins go back to the provisions of the ancient biblical Jubilees described in the book of Leviticus (Lev 25:8-13). In those times, the jubilee was observed as a period of rest, release and renewal for people and the earth. The Church adopted this practice to mark a special time of grace, penance and reconciliation, offering the faithful the opportunity to renew their relationship with God, with themselves and with others.

Spiritual significance of the Jubilee

The Jubilee is a unique moment in the life of the Church, marked by the opening of the Holy Door in the four major basilicas of Rome: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. This door, which remains closed for ordinary years, symbolises Christ’s invitation to pass from sin to grace and new life. Pilgrims who cross this door as an act of faith, along with the fulfilment of other spiritual requirements (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayer for the Pope’s intentions and works of charity), can receive the plenary indulgence, a total remission of temporal penalties for sins already forgiven.

The penitential dimension of the Jubilee invites the faithful to reflect on their lives, seek forgiveness for their sins and be reconciled with God. It also underlines the importance of charity and commitment to one’s neighbour, essential elements in the Christian life.

Universal significance of the Jubilee

Although the Jubilee has deeply Catholic roots, its message transcends religious boundaries. The invitation to hope, reconciliation and unity resonates with all those who seek a higher purpose and a sense of community. In an ever-changing world, Jubilee 2025 stands as a reminder that, whatever the difficulties, faith and hope can transform human lives and relationships.

In short, Jubilee 2025 is not just a liturgical celebration; it is a universal call to walk together as ‘pilgrims of hope’, seeking a fuller life committed to the ideals of love, justice and peace.

The Jubilee Theme 2025: ‘Pilgrims of Hope’

The motto chosen for this Jubilee, ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, reflects a theme deeply relevant in today’s context. In a world facing multiple crises – such as armed conflict, pandemics, climate change and growing social inequality – hope becomes an essential beacon for communities and individuals. This theme highlights several key aspects:

1. Pilgrimage as a Metaphor for the Christian Life.
2. To be a ‘pilgrim’ implies a physical and spiritual journey towards a sacred destination. In the context of the Jubilee, this pilgrimage is not only to holy places, such as Rome, but also to a deeper relationship with God. The faithful are called to embark on a journey of conversion and renewal, facing challenges with confidence and hope.
3. Hope as a Theological Virtue
4. Hope, together with faith and charity, is one of the fundamental theological virtues in the Christian life. This Jubilee is intended to encourage people to keep alive their trust in God’s love and mercy, even in times of adversity. Hope, in this sense, is not just a sentiment, but an active commitment to build a more just world, in solidarity and peace.
5. Unity and the Common Good
6. In a fragmented world, Jubilee 2025 seeks to inspire unity among nations and peoples. Being ‘pilgrims of hope’ means working together towards the common good, recognising the inherent dignity of each person and overcoming divisions. The Church invites the faithful to renew their commitment to the Christian values of justice, solidarity and care for creation.

Discover the highlights of Rome Jubilee 2025 activities

Preparations for the Jubilee

Preparations for the Jubilee 2025 are already underway under the leadership of Pope Francis, who has emphasised the pastoral and missionary character of this celebration. Among the initiatives planned, the following stand out:

• The Renewal of Faith: Parish and diocesan communities are encouraged to organise catechesis, spiritual retreats and activities that strengthen faith formation.
• Care for the Most Needy: As part of its commitment to charity, the Jubilee will include support programmes for the poor, marginalised and refugees, reflecting the Gospel mandate to serve the most vulnerable.
• Protecting the Environment: Inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si’, this Jubilee will also include a special emphasis on integral ecology, highlighting the responsibility of Christians to care for creation as an act of hope for future generations.

View Roman Colosseum, Rome

Jubilee 2025 main events and ceremonies

The Jubilee is characterised by a variety of religious, cultural and social events that underline its historical and spiritual significance. These activities are designed to bring together the faithful from around the world in a spirit of reconciliation, renewal and community. The following are some of the highlights:

1. Opening of the Holy Door:

The Holy Year begins with an act of great solemnity and symbolism: the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. This rite, led by the Pope, represents the beginning of a special time of grace, reconciliation and conversion. The Holy Door, which remains closed outside of Jubilee years, is opened to invite pilgrims to cross it as a sign of their commitment to spiritual renewal. This ceremony is complemented by solemn processions and prayers that gather thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square and other major churches in Rome.

2. Special Liturgical Celebrations:

During the Jubilee Year, numerous liturgical celebrations will take place, including solemn Masses, prayer vigils and mass processions. These ceremonies will take place both in St. Peter’s Basilica and in other major churches in Rome and around the world. Highlights include Christmas, Holy Week and Pentecost, when the Jubilee message of faith and hope will be emphasised. In addition, there will be days dedicated to praying for specific causes, such as world peace, social justice and unity among peoples.

3. International meetings:

The Jubilee will also be an opportunity to strengthen ties between different communities of believers. International meetings will bring together young people, families, religious and representatives of lay movements. These events will offer spaces for dialogue, reflection and prayer together, promoting values of fraternity and solidarity. Among the most anticipated meetings are the World Youth Day, dedicated to inspiring the new generations, and the Family Days, which will celebrate the role of the family in the transmission of faith and Christian values.

4. Festival of Faith and Culture:

In addition to the liturgical events, the Jubilee will include an extensive cultural programme designed to enrich the experience of pilgrims and visitors. Under the title ‘Festival of Faith and Culture’, concerts of sacred music, art exhibitions, religious film screenings and academic conferences will be organised. These activities will seek to connect spirituality with art and culture, highlighting the richness of the Christian tradition and its influence on the modern world. Many of these events will be open to the general public, fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and participation.

5. Closing of the Jubilee:

The Jubilee year will conclude with the closing ceremony of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. This act, led by the Pope, will mark the end of this extraordinary period of grace and renewal. The closing will be accompanied by a solemn mass and a final message to the faithful, encouraging them to continue to live the values of the Jubilee in their daily lives. The closing of the Holy Door symbolises the end of the Jubilee journey, but also the beginning of a renewed commitment to faith, hope and charity.

Taken together, these Jubilee activities seek not only to strengthen the spiritual dimension of the participants, but also to highlight the importance of unity, peace and solidarity in today’s world.

Bird’s eye view of Rome

Preparations and works in Rome for the Jubilee in 2025

To welcome the millions of pilgrims expected, the city of Rome has initiated an ambitious plan of preparations and infrastructural improvements:

• Restoration of Historic Monuments: Conservation projects are underway on the city’s basilicas, fountains and other iconic structures.
• Transport Modernisation: The public transport network, including trains, buses and metros, is being strengthened to facilitate visitor mobility.
• Accommodation and Services: Rome has expanded its hotel capacity and new information systems have been implemented to guide pilgrims.
• Digital Infrastructure: Mobile applications and digital platforms have been developed to provide real-time information on events, routes and services available.

Economic and social impact of the Jubilee in Rome

The Jubilee 2025 will have a significant impact on the economy and society of Rome and the world:

• Religious Tourism: A massive increase in the number of visitors is expected, with benefits for the hotel sector, restaurants, shops and tourist services.
• Job Creation: The preparations and activities will generate thousands of temporary and permanent jobs.
• Promotion of Solidarity: The Jubilee theme and associated activities will promote social initiatives, including assistance to vulnerable communities.
• Cultural Awareness: Cultural and artistic events will increase interest in Rome’s rich history and traditions.

Jubilee Itineraries and pilgrimage sites in Rome

A central aspect of the Jubilee is pilgrimage. Visitors will be able to visit:

• The Four Major Basilicas: Each with its own Holy Door and its own spiritual and historical richness.
• Via Francigena: An ancient pilgrimage route leading to Rome, ideal for those seeking a deeper, more meditative experience.
• Other Landmarks: The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Square, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican will be must-sees for pilgrims.

Other Jubilee of Rome cultural activities you can enjoy

The Jubilee is not only a religious but also a cultural experience. Among the highlights are:

• Concerts and Exhibitions: International artists and musicians will participate in events celebrating spirituality and hope.
• Educational Workshops: Lectures and courses on history, theology and sacred art will be offered in Roman museums and universities.
• Volunteering: Thousands of people will be part of the logistical effort, helping pilgrims and participating in charitable activities.

The Jubilee of Rome 2025 will be an unforgettable moment of faith, culture and community. For both the faithful and visitors interested in history and spirituality, this celebration will be a unique opportunity to experience the richness of the Catholic tradition at the heart of Christianity. Prepare your trip, open your heart and be part of this historic event that will mark a before and after in the lives of millions of people.

Rome offers you its history, art and charm; we offer you the mobility to enjoy it all. Don’t wait any longer, live an unforgettable experience with Record go!