What is the Jubilee in Rome? Explore 2025 dates, traditions, and how Catholic pilgrims can experience this Holy Year in the Eternal City.
Rome, the eternal city, is preparing for a spiritual and cultural celebration that draws millions from around the world – the Jubilee. If you’re wondering what the Catholic Jubilee in Rome is, how often it occurs, or the key details for 2025, this guide has you covered.
Table of Contents
✝️ What is the Jubilee in Rome?
The Catholic Jubilee in Rome, also known as the Holy Year, is a special event in the Catholic Church that emphasizes forgiveness, pilgrimage, and spiritual renewal.
Traditionally, pilgrims travel to Rome to receive indulgences, attend masses, and pass through the Holy Doors of the major basilicas. But what is Jubilee in Rome beyond its religious significance?
It’s also a time of cultural gatherings, concerts, and exhibitions that allow visitors to experience the city’s rich history in a unique, celebratory atmosphere.
⛪ History & Rituals of the Jubilee in Rome
The Jubilee tradition began in 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Holy Year as a time dedicated to forgiveness, conversion, and pilgrimage.
Since then, Jubilees have invited millions of faithful to Rome to seek indulgences through spiritual practices such as confession, charity, attending Mass, and visiting key holy sites.
A central ritual is the opening of the Holy Doors, kept sealed outside Jubilee years. Their opening symbolizes a passage from sin to grace, and pilgrims walk through them as an act of renewal and reconciliation.
Another historic tradition is the pilgrimage to the four Major Papal Basilicas, each chosen for its deep theological and apostolic significance.
🙏 The Four Major Papal Basilicas
These four churches form the core of the Catholic Jubilee pilgrimage because they represent the foundation of the Catholic faith and the universal mission of the Church.
🕊️ St. Peter’s Basilica
Built over the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope, this is the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church. Opening its Holy Door marks the official start of every Jubilee. It symbolizes leadership, unity, and the apostolic roots of the Church.
✝️ St. John Lateran
The Cathedral of Rome and the “Mother of All Churches,” St. John Lateran, is the Pope’s official ecclesiastical seat. It represents authority, continuity, and the Church’s historic center.
📜 St. Paul Outside the Walls
Built over the burial site of St. Paul the Apostle, this basilica connects pilgrims to the Church’s missionary identity. It honors Paul’s global evangelization and the spreading of the Christian message.
🌹 St. Mary Major
The oldest church in the West, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it symbolizes compassion, protection, and the maternal presence of Mary in the life of the Church. Pilgrims visit to honor her intercession and reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation.
Together, these four basilicas form the complete Jubilee journey – representing leadership, authority, mission, and devotion. They guide pilgrims toward spiritual renewal, unity, and deeper faith during the Holy Year.
⏳ How often is the Jubilee in Rome?
A common question is how often the Jubilee in Rome is held. The ordinary Jubilee typically occurs every 25 years, though extraordinary Jubilees can be declared by the Pope at any time for specific purposes, such as a call for peace or reconciliation.
When was the last Jubilee in Rome? For historical context, the previous ordinary Jubilee took place in 2000, marking the turn of the millennium. There have also been extraordinary Jubilees, such as the 2016 Jubilee of Mercy declared by Pope Francis.
📅 When is the Jubilee in Rome 2025?
For those planning their travels around the Jubilee in Rome, it officially began on Christmas Eve, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, and continues until January 6, 2026.
The Jubilee celebrations usually last for one year, providing ample time for pilgrims and tourists to explore Rome’s spiritual and cultural treasures.
⏱️ How long is the Catholic Jubilee in Rome?
Typically, the Holy Year runs for 12 months, giving visitors and pilgrims a full year to experience the celebrations. This allows pilgrims to plan trips around key religious events, cultural activities, and sightseeing opportunities.
🕊️ What happens during the Jubilee in Rome?
The Jubilee in Rome featured several religious rituals, including the opening of the Holy Doors in St. Peter’s Basilica and the other papal basilicas: St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major.
Beyond religious activities, the city hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts to celebrate the Jubilee’s themes of unity, forgiveness, and renewal.
Pilgrims can perform acts of devotion, receive indulgences, and attend special masses led by the Pope. Travelers can expect vibrant street life, special tours, and a deeper opportunity to engage with Rome’s history.
🙏 How to celebrate the Catholic Jubilee in Rome
For those seeking a deeply spiritual experience, the Jubilee offers many opportunities for reflection, prayer, and pilgrimage:
1️⃣ Pass through the Holy Doors
The Holy Doors are opened only during the Jubilee and symbolize the gateway to salvation and forgiveness. Pilgrims are encouraged to enter these doors with devotion, performing prayers and acts of penance.
2️⃣ Attend special Jubilee Masses
The Pope and local clergy hold special masses throughout the Jubilee year. Devout pilgrims can participate in daily or weekly services at St. Peter’s Basilica or other papal basilicas. Many masses focus on themes of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
3️⃣ Complete a pilgrimage route
A traditional way to celebrate is to visit all four papal basilicas:
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- St. John Lateran
- St. Paul Outside the Walls
- St. Mary Major
Walking these routes on foot or by public transport allows pilgrims to meditate and reflect at each stop.
4️⃣ Perform acts of mercy
Jubilee celebrations emphasize mercy. Pilgrims are encouraged to engage in charitable acts, visit the sick, and participate in community service in Rome.
5️⃣ Receive the indulgence
Through confession, receiving Holy Communion, and prayers for the Pope’s intentions, pilgrims can obtain a plenary indulgence. This spiritual practice is a central reason many make the journey to Rome.
6️⃣ Meditate at historic chapels and sites
Rome is filled with chapels, relics, and sacred art. Pilgrims can spend time in meditation and prayer at locations such as the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) or the tombs of saints.
Book a tour: Rome Jubilee Walking Tour of Churches, Bridges & Legends
7️⃣ Participate in Jubilee events & spiritual talks
Throughout the year, the Vatican and local churches organize conferences, spiritual workshops, and concerts. Attending these events enriches the experience and deepens understanding of the Jubilee’s significance.
💡 Tips for visiting during the Jubilee
- Plan Ahead: Rome will see an influx of visitors, so book accommodations early. Allow flexibility for spiritual reflection or additional pilgrimages.
- Engage Spiritually: Schedule confession, Mass attendance, and visits to Holy Doors. Plan confession and Mass times in advance to maximize indulgence opportunities. Keep a journal of prayers, reflections, and blessings received during the Jubilee.
- Dress Modestly: Respect religious customs and cover your shoulders and knees, especially when entering basilicas.
- Combine Faith and Culture: While spiritual activities are central, explore Rome’s museums, piazzas, and historic landmarks (Book Rome tours).
🗺️ 7-day pilgrimage itinerary for the Jubilee in Rome 2025
This itinerary is designed for devout pilgrims who want to immerse themselves in the spiritual, cultural, and historical richness of Rome during the Jubilee. Each day balances prayer, pilgrimage, and reflection.
✈️ Day 1: Arrival & orientation
- Arrive in Rome and check into a centrally located accommodation near Vatican City or the historic center. (Book your stay)
- Attend an orientation tour to understand the significance of the Jubilee in Rome 2025. Visit St. Peter’s Square and get your first glimpse of the Holy Doors. (Book a tour)
- Evening prayer at a nearby church to set a devotional tone for the week.
⛪ Day 2: St. Peter’s Basilica & Holy Door
- Attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Participate in a guided tour of the basilica’s sacred art and relics. (Book your tickets)
- Pass through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, praying for forgiveness and spiritual renewal. (Book a tour)
- Quiet reflection in the Vatican Gardens or visit the Vatican Museums for spiritual artwork like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. (Book a tour)
🕍 Day 3: The Papal Basilicas
- Begin at St. John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral. Participate in confession or private prayer.
- Visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, walking the pilgrim route between basilicas.
- Reflect on the tomb of St. Paul.
- Pray the rosary at St. Mary Major, ending with contemplative meditation.
💖 Day 4: Acts of mercy & spiritual engagement
- Volunteer or engage in acts of charity at a local parish, hospital, or community center.
- Attend a spiritual lecture or workshop on Jubilee themes such as mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
- Evening Mass with Jubilee prayers and an indulgence opportunity.
🚶♂️ Day 5: Pilgrimage walk & chapels
- Walk the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), praying on each step to emulate Christ’s passion.
- Visit small historic chapels, such as San Clemente or Santa Maria in Trastevere, for meditation. (Book a tour)
- Attend a sacred music concert or choral event highlighting religious traditions of Rome. (Book a tour)
✍️ Day 6: Personal reflection & pilgrimage completion
- Revisit favorite basilicas or Holy Doors to complete personal devotions. (Book a tour)
- Participate in a Papal audience experience with Pope Leo XIV. (Book a tour)
- Spend quiet time in prayer, journaling reflections on the Jubilee experience.
🕊️ Day 7: Cultural & spiritual departure
- Enjoy breakfast in the Vatican Courtyard, explore the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. (Book a tour)
- Attend farewell Mass at a local church or basilica. Reflect on the spiritual journey before departing.
- Depart Rome with a renewed sense of faith, mercy, and connection to the Jubilee.
The Catholic Jubilee in Rome 2025 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for spiritual renewal, pilgrimage, and deep reflection. Whether visiting for faith or cultural enrichment, every moment in the Eternal City during this Holy Year is unforgettable.
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