A Pilgrim and Tourists Guide to Jubilee 2025

The Jubilee of 2025 is a significant Catholic event that occurs traditionally every 25 years. However, the Pope can call extraordinary Holy Years, as was the case in 2016 and as will be the case in 2033, when a Holy Year has been called to celebrate the 2000 anniversary of Christ's death. This will be the third Jubilee I have experienced during my time in Rome, and so I am here to offer an insight into what to expect, how to plan, and how to embrace everything that is coming our way in the next 12 months.

Pope Francis Proclaims Jubilee Year 2025

Pope Francis proclaimed the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 at a ceremony in St Peter's Basilica, Rome, On Ascension Thursday 2024. The Papal Bull of Indication stated, 'Spes non confundit' or 'Hope does not disappoint' in English.

The Jubilee year will commence with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024.

What is the Year of Jubilee - A Brief History

Jubilee years have deep roots in both Christian and Jewish traditions. The earliest reference to a jubilee year is found in the Book of Leviticus. It was referred to as a time of renewal and forgiveness, a period when slaves were freed and debts were canceled.

While the concept of a Jubilee year existed in biblical times, it wasn't until 1300 that Pope Boniface VIII officially instituted the Catholic Jubilee. He declared a Holy Year, offering plenary indulgences to pilgrims who visited Rome and performed specific acts of devotion.

Initially, Jubilees were held every 100 years. However, due to their popularity, significance, and the copious cash they contributed to the Church's coffers, the frequency was reduced to every 50 years and then to every 25 years.

This years celebrations are expected to see over 30 million visitors head to Rome over the next 12 months.

Will Rome be Crowded During the Jubilee, and Is It Still Worth Booking a Trip?

In short, yes, Rome will be busy, but you should still book your trip. But, and it is a big but, more than ever, it is vital you book your hotels, tours, tickets, and everything else way in advance.

Over the course of an average year, between 5 and 10 million overseas visitors head to Rome; during the Jubilee year, that number is expected to be in excess of 30 million.

The whole year is full of special events and activities that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. If you are willing to embrace the chaos and book everything way in advance, then you could be set for an unforgettable journey.

What Preparations are Being Made for the Jubilee

If you have been on social media at any time during the last few months, you have probably seen pictures of Rome looking like a construction site. There is a lot going on.

Trams stopped running this week to allow for maintenance and improvements. Metro stations are frequently closed for maintenance work. Rome's public toilets (so poor in quality that I wasn't even aware they still existed) are being completely remodeled, and new bins have been installed throughout the city.

Many of Rome's historical gems are currently getting a facelift and will be fully visible on Christmas Eve 2024, the start of the Jubilee.

In addition, comprehensive security plans are being developed to ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents alike.

When Does the Jubilee Begin?

The opening of the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve signals the beginning of the Jubilee, which will continue throughout 2025.

The opening of the Holy Door was a rite first introduced by Pope Alexander VI in 1500. The Holy Doors are only open during the Jubilee year and are bricked up between Jubilees.

What is the Significance of the Holy Door?

The Holy Doors are one of the most significant symbols of the Jubilee. They represent the passage from sin to grace and new beginnings.

Holy Doors are a central symbol in Catholic Jubilees, representing the passage from sin to grace, a new beginning, and a deeper encounter with Christ. For many Catholics, they are seen as a passage to salvation, and according to the Vatican's own website, 'passing through the Holy Door signifies a deeper connection with Christ and a renewal of faith'.

Unlike previous Jubilees where many churches had Holy Doors, Pope Francis has decided to return to the tradition of having Holy Doors only at the Vatican and Rome. However, bishops worldwide are encouraged to designate their cathedrals or other significant churches as special pilgrimage sites.

Where are the Holy Doors?

Five Holy Doors will be open for the Jubilee of 2025. They are located at St Peter's Basilica, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Paolo Fuori la Mura, and an as yet unnamed prison in Rome (we assume that the last one won't be open to the public).

The Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica will be opened on Christmas Eve this 2024 and will be the last to close during the feast of the Epiphany in 2026, marking the end of the holy year.

San Giovanni opens on December 29th, Santa Maria Maggiore on January 1st, and San Paolo on January 5th. These three papal basilicas will all close on Dec. 28, 2025.

Top Tips for Visiting Rome During the Jubilee

As Rome is expected to be bustling with pilgrims from around the world during the Jubilee. To make the most of your visit:

Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transportation well in advance, as availability will be limited. We have plenty of recommendations on where to stay in Rome as well as the best hotels and apartments.
Be Prepared for Crowds: Expect large crowds at popular tourist sites and religious venues and book your tickets and tours way in advance.
Pack Accordingly: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and so on.
Respectful Attire: Adhere to dress codes when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Utilize Technology: Take advantage of the official Jubilee app and online resources (such as this blog) for navigation and event information.

What are the Key Sites of the Jubilee 2025

There are numerous sites of significance throughout Jubilee 2025, with the Papal Basilicas playing a key role. The four Papal Basilicas are:
St Peter's Basilica
Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
San Paolo Fuori a Mura
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

There are also the Seven churches of Pilgrimage. They include the four Papal Basilicas as well as;

Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura
Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Basilica di San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura

The Pilgrimage route of the the Patronesses of Europe and Doctors of the Church is set up for all pilgrims to discover more about the European female saints, especially those who be proclaimed as Doctors of the Church. Those churches include:

Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Chiesa di Santa Brigida a Campo de' Fiori
Chiesa di Santa Maria Della Vittoria
Trinitá dei Monti
Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
Chiesa di Sant' Agostino in Camp Marzio

For 25 years, Through Eternity have been organizing itineraries showcasing the best of Rome led by our resident expert guides. If you're planning a visit to the Eternal City this year, be sure to get in touch to help plan your perfect trip!