A historic celebration that transforms Rome into the spiritual epicenter of the world is undoubtedly the Jubilee 2025. This holy year, full of symbolism and spirituality, becomes an occasion to reflect, renew faith and enjoy the historical and cultural richness of the Eternal City.
The concept of this celebration dates back to the Old Testament, when the people of Israel celebrated a “Sabbath year” every fifty years. During this period, slaves were proclaimed free, debts were forgiven and land was restored to its original owners.
Inspired by these practices, the Christian Jubilee was instituted by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300 as a special time for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
The first Jubilee attracted a multitude of pilgrims, marking the beginning of a tradition that is regularly repeated in the Catholic Church. Since then, it has become one of the most significant celebrations of Christianity, highlighting the message of mercy, peace and spiritual renewal.
Each Jubilee has a particular theme, and that of 2025 will be “Pilgrims of Hope”, reflecting the desire to rekindle faith in the wake of the global challenges that have occurred in recent years.
The Holy Door represents a symbol of great relevance in the context of the Jubilee within the Catholic Church. The Door is only opened at the time of a Jubilee and is associated with the belief that Jesus Christ is the authentic entrance leading to salvation. By passing through it, believers symbolize their entrance into a renewed existence, strengthened by divine grace and the action of the Holy Spirit.
In short, the Holy Door has a profound meaning as a symbol of God’s mercy, reconciliation and forgiveness. Through its opening during the Jubilee Years, the faithful are called to renew their spiritual life and to walk closer to grace and salvation.
The Jubilee is a religious celebration that has a strong influence on the faith and culture of the communities that celebrate it, especially in the Catholic Church. Traditionally, a Jubilee is commemorated every 25 years, although extraordinary Jubilees are also held in particular situations.
An example of an extraordinary Jubilee was the convocation of Pius XI in 1933 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of the death of Christ.
For the duration of the Jubilee, believers participate in a variety of rituals and liturgical ceremonies that strengthen their spiritual life and their connection to a worldwide religious tradition.
Through penance, forgiveness, prayer and pilgrimage, the Jubilee not only fosters spiritual renewal, but also reinforces cultural traditions, promotes the cohesion of the community of the faithful and leaves a lasting mark on local art, architecture, traditions and customs.
The event will officially begin with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, a solemn act to be performed by Pope Francis on December 24, 2024, marking Christmas Eve. The opening of this door symbolizes the path to salvation and is one of the most anticipated moments of the event.
Throughout the year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world are expected to travel to Rome to participate in various religious, cultural and social activities. Celebrations include masses in the main basilicas, processions, prayer vigils and charity events organized by the Catholic Church.
In addition, pilgrims will have the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences, provided they fulfill certain spiritual requirements, such as confession, communion and prayer for the Pope’s intentions.
In this context, the city will also be filled with cultural events, exhibitions and concerts that will showcase the rich history and religious art of the city. This will not only be a spiritual encounter but also a moment of global union, where faith unites cultures.
The Jubilee 2025 calendar is carefully designed to include both spiritual and pastoral activities, with events scheduled throughout the year on various key dates. Each month will be dedicated to a special theme, such as youth, family, social justice and environmental protection, encouraging reflection and Christian commitment.
The calendar will include major pilgrimages to Rome’s four papal basilicas, St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. These visits are part of the traditional requirements for obtaining Jubilee indulgences. There will also be specific meetings for particular groups, such as young people, religious, lay leaders and Catholic movements.
On the other hand, a highlight will be the closing Mass of the Jubilee, which will take place in St. Peter’s Square at the end of December 2025. During this celebration, Pope Francis will close the Holy Door, symbolizing the end of the Holy Year and the beginning of a new spiritual stage.
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