Rome Jubilee 2025: Your Complete Guide to the Holy Year

On December 24, 2024, Pope Francis will solemnly open the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, symbolizing the start of the Jubilee Year. Throughout the Jubilee Year, this Holy Door will remain open — as will the Holy Doors of Rome’s three other major basilicas — offering all who pass through them the opportunity for redemption through a full plenary indulgence.

Around 35 million people are expected to make a pilgrimage to Rome to cross the threshold of these Holy Doors and take part in a series of spiritual and cultural events throughout the city. Yet despite growing anticipation for this landmark event in the Church’s calendar, the Jubilee remains something of an enigma. This article attempts to demystify the Jubilee, explaining its origins and offering practical travel advice for pilgrims attending Rome Jubilee 2025.

What is a Jubilee Year?

A Jubilee Year is a Holy Year in the Catholic Church with roots in the Jewish tradition. Its English name derives from the Jobel (yōḇel), or ram’s horn, which was blown to announce the commencement of sacred celebrations, especially the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

As stated in the Book of Leviticus (25:8-13), the Jubilee Holy Year was to be marked every 50 years and would be a time of renewal, the forgiveness of debts, and the return of misappropriated land. However, as we will see, the interval between Jubilees has varied considerably over the centuries, first from once a century to now every 25 years.

The Jubilee Year has evolved to establish itself as a period of spiritual renewal where pilgrims travel to the Four Major Basilicas in Rome — or Jerusalem’s Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, Bethlehem’s Basilica of the Nativity, or the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth — to participate in liturgical rites receive a plenary indulgence. Beyond the overarching ideas of renewal and forgiveness, Jubilee Years usually revolve around a theme – and Rome Jubilee 2025 is no different.

What is the Theme for Jubilee 2025?

Hope is the prevailing theme for Jubilee 2025 and “Pilgrims of Hope” is the Holy Year’s motto. In a letter from February 2022, which announced the upcoming Jubilee, Pope Francis wrote that: "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and farsighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire."

History of the Jubilee

The first Jubilee took place in 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII issued a papal bull proclaiming a universal festival for the Catholic Church. Full forgiveness was available for all who participated. To receive this plenary indulgence, the faithful had only to demonstrate their commitment and prove that they were deserving of forgiveness by passing through the Holy Doors of St Peter’s Basilica or the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls 30 times within the year (pilgrims coming from outside the city could pass through these doors just 15 times).

Pope Boniface VIII had intended for the Jubilee to become a centenary event. But because medieval life expectancies were generally very short (not least during the Black Death of 1346 - 1353) and many were unlikely to live long enough to take part in a jubilee, the intervening period was soon shortened – first to every 50 years (in 1343) and then to every 25 (in 1470).

If the last Jubilee seems more recent than 25 years ago, that’s because it was. In 2016, Pope Francis convoked an extraordinary jubilee, the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, to address a world marred by conflict, struggle and division. The Pope placed a strong emphasis on God’s mercy, urging people to reflect on how they could extend mercy and compassion to others.

The Features of a Jubilee Year

Pilgrimage and reconciliation; prayer and liturgy; the profession of faith and the granting of indulgences. All are key components of a Jubilee, and all converge throughout the Holy Year.

Historically, pilgrimages have served several purposes. Not only have they offered a way to demonstrate devotion and seek atonement, but the sacrifices they have demanded of pilgrims and the hardships pilgrims have had to endure in pursuit of reaching a sacred destination have morphed pilgrimages into journeys of spiritual transformation. At least in this respect, the Jubilee Year is no different. As a period set aside for seeking forgiveness, it is a time for Christians to reconcile with God and others and take a moment to reflect on (and reset) their spiritual life.

Being granted a plenary indulgence — i.e. the elimination of temporal punishment due to sin — represents the pinnacle of the pilgrim’s journey and manifests the hope through God’s mercy, the theme of Rome Jubilee 2025. You can learn more about the theme by reading Pope Francis’ Bull of Indication Spes non confundit — “Hope does not disappoint” — in full. First, we should look at how pilgrims can receive a plenary indulgence by passing through one of Rome’s four Holy Doors.

The Significance of Holy Doors

Each of Rome's Four Papal Basilicas — St Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St John in Lateran, the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, and the Basilica of St Mary Major — incorporates a Holy Door which is open throughout the Holy Year but otherwise cemented shut.

Much as the Pope is clothed in spiritual symbolism – even his Latin title ‘pontifex’ literally translates as a builder of bridges (between Heaven and Earth) – so too is the Holy Door. Passing through a Holy Door represents the end of a pilgrim’s path of conversion – the encounter with Christ as the “door” who unites us with the Father while its cyclical opening and closing of the Holy Doors reflects the eternal nature of God’s mercy.

Opening the Holy Doors

Historically, the task of opening a Holy Door was entrusted to the Pope and his Cardinal Legates. Our first recorded instance dates from 1423, when Pope Martin V opened the Holy Door of Rome’s main basilica, St John in Lateran. In 1499, Pope Alexander expressed his wish for the Holy Doors of the other three papal basilicas to be opened too, a duty he conferred upon his Cardinal Legates.

Here is how the ceremony unfolded from the 16th century until the mid-20th century After making his way from the Apostolic Palace and Sistine Chapel with a procession of Cardinal Legates, the Pope would hammer the wall covering the Holy Door three times with a silver gavel while reciting the verses Aperite mihi portas iustitiae (“Open the doors of justice for me”).

Masons within his entourage would then continue to demolish the Holy Door to the chanting of the psalm Iubilate Deo omnis terra (“All the Earth, rejoice in God”). When the Holy Door was open, the Pope would genuflect at its threshold before passing through at the head of a procession to the choral chanting of Te Deum laudamus (“Lord, we praise you”). This procession would finally make its way to the altar where they would celebrate the Vespers.

The rites involving the opening of the Holy Door remained almost unchanged until the Jubilee of 1950. For safety reasons, in 2000 Pope John Paul II decided to streamline the ritual by clearing the door in advance, leaving the Pope only to push open the doors. Pope John Paul II also introduced the tradition of personally opening all four Holy Doors rather than entrusting this task to Cardinal Legates.

Closing the Holy Doors

At the end of each Jubilee, the Holy Doors are again sealed shut, bringing to an end this Holy Year. Historically, after presiding over the Vespers in the Basilica of St John in Lateran, the Pope would send his Cardinal Legates to close the other Holy Doors before making his way out through the Holy Door at the rear of a procession.

What happened next was more a process of walling up than the closure of a door per se: the Pope would bless the stones and bricks set aside to wall up the Holy Door before applying cement to the threshold of the door with a trowel. He would then set in place three bricks and some gold and silver coins, after which the masons would take over to the choral hymn of Caelestis Urbs Ierusalem (“The Heavenly City of Jerusalem”). Finally, the Pope would say the prayer Deus qui in omni loco (“God is here, everywhere”) before ascending to the basilica’s loggia to solemnly impart the Apostolic Blessing.
In 1975, the Pope sealed the Holy Door by closing the two sides of the bronze door of 1950 rather than using the trowel and brick to rebuild the wall. Since then, the Holy Door of each papal basilica has been a bronze portal rather than a broken section of wall.

The Jubilee’s Impact on Rome and the Vatican

Current predictions put the number of pilgrims arriving in Rome for “Giubileo 2025” at 35 million, matching the total number of tourists in 2023. Major works are already underway to accommodate such an influx, including work on the two main metro lines. Many city center monuments are also being renovated, such as Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona, the fountain outside the Pantheon, and Piazza Pio at the foot of Castel Sant’Angelo.

Rome’s city council has already secured €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) in state funding for Jubilee 2025 as well as some €3 billion from post-pandemic EU funds. It has also put together financing for a further €4 billion to complete Rome's third metro line, which will connect the city's two main basilicas, St Peter's and St John Lateran, and dissect the heart of the historic center.

How to Participate in the Rome Jubilee 2025

Since the Jubilee begins with the opening of the Holy Doors of St Peter’s on December 24, 2024, and formally concludes with the closing of St Peter’s Holy Door on January 6, 2026, pilgrims will have ample time to visit the Eternal City and take part in the festivities.

However, because Jubilee events are generally divided according to groups, with a Jubilee of Artists, Jubilee of Volunteers, Jubilee of Families etc., pilgrims might want to plan their visit to coincide with the celebrations of their group.

Please note that registration will be mandatory for all Jubilee events. To register, follow the links given in each event description in the Official Jubilee Calendar. Please also note that only one Jubilee event has been scheduled for July and August (the Jubilee of Youth from July 28 - August 3), so avoid these months if you wish to take part in the festivities.

Organizing Pilgrimages to the Holy Doors

If you are planning to undertake a pilgrimage for Rome Jubilee 2025, you should register for the event(s) you wish to attend. You can do so here, through the reserved area on the official Jubilee website, selecting the desired date and time for your pilgrimage. Those who have already registered for major events will be able to pass through the Holy Door during these events so they do not need to make an additional booking.

Rome’s Four Papal Basilicas

Most liturgical Jubilee events will take place in and around Rome’s Four Major Basilicas: St Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of St John in Lateran, the Basilica of St Mary Major, and the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. While St Peter’s is situated in the Vatican City, the others are spread across the center of Rome. St John in Lateran and St Mary Major are within walking distance of one another, in the neighborhoods of San Giovanni and Monti respectively. St Paul Outside the Walls is just south of the city center, beyond the ancient Aurelian Walls and on the road to Rome’s port city of Ostia (the Via Ostiense).

Click here for the history of each papal basilica and its significance for Jubilee 2025.

Receiving a Plenary Indulgence

This Vatican has issued a decree outlining the different ways that people can obtain a plenary indulgence during the 2025 Jubilee Year. In essence, those who wish to receive the jubilee indulgence must be free from all attachment to sin and have to participate in one of three spiritual acts: pilgrimages, pious visits to sacred places, or works of mercy and penance.

Completing a pilgrimage to Rome means passing through the Holy Doors one of the four Major Papal Basilicas and piously participating in devout acts of worship such as attending Holy Mass (ideally a Jubilee or Votive Mass) and taking part in celebrations like the Liturgy of the Hours or prayers like the Via Crucis or the Marian Rosary. Pilgrims must be in a state of grace by confessing their sins through the Sacrament of Penance and receiving Holy Communion and conclude by praying for the intentions of the Holy Father — typically by reciting the Our Father, the Profession of Faith, and invocations to Mary, such as the Hail Mary.

Those prevented from participating in pilgrimages due to age, illness, or other serious reasons can still obtain the jubilee indulgence by spiritually uniting with those attending in person. They must pray, meditate, and offer their sufferings or hardships while following the usual spiritual conditions, such as reciting the Our Father and the Profession of Faith. Catholics can also receive a plenary indulgence by performing works of mercy or penance, such as helping those in need or dedicating time to charitable causes.

Major Events for Rome Jubilee 2025

While many events are yet to be added to the Official Jubilee Calendar, the key events, celebrations, and papal audiences are starting to shape.

The inaugural event of Rome Jubilee 2025 will be the Opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024. The Vatican is currently expecting some 65,000 pilgrims to gather in attendance in St Peter’s Square. Bishops and Presbyters who wish to concelebrate, and Deacons who wish to participate, should make reservations with the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff through this link.

On December 29, the Pope will open the Holy Door of Rome’s main cathedral, the Basilica of St John in Lateran, and the local bishop of every cathedral and co-cathedral throughout the world will celebrate Mass to mark the opening of the Jubilee. Then on January 1, 2025, the Pope will open the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Mary Major followed by the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls on January 5.

Dozens of Jubilee events for groups and professions will unfold throughout the rest of the calendar year, commencing with the Jubilee of the World of Communications (January 24-26) and concluding with the Jubilee of Prisoners on December 14.

The four-day Jubilee of Youth (July 28 - August 3) is expected to draw the largest crowds with an estimated one million pilgrims predicted to attend this event alone. The Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers (April 5-6), Jubilee of the Confraternities (May 16-18), and Jubilee of the Ecclesiastical Movements, Associations and New Communities (June 7-8) are also expected to draw around 150,000 pilgrims for each.

Stay up to date with the latest cultural events and concerts on the Official Jubilee Website.

View the Complete Rome Jubilee 2025 Event Calendar here

Jubilee Papal Audiences 2025

March 29 (Jubilee of the Missionaries of Mercy): Private Papal Audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall from midday.

April 29 (Jubilee of People with Disabilities): Papal Audience in Centocelle Park from 11 am.

May 13 (Jubilee of the Eastern Churches): Private Papal Audience (details tbc).

September 26 (Jubilee of Missionaries): Papal Audience in St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

Holy Mass Calendar for Jubilee 2025

January 24 (Jubilee of the World of Communications): Basilica of St John in Lateran from 7 pm.

January 26 (Jubilee of the World of Communications): St Peter’s Basilica from 10 am.

February 9 (Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel): St Peter’s Square from 10:30 am.

February 18 (Jubilee of Artists): Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva from 10 am.

February 23 (Jubilee of Deacons): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

February 9 (Jubilee of Volunteers): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

March 30 (Jubilee of the Missionaries of Mercy): Church of Sant’Andrea della Valle from 10 am.

April 6 (Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers): Centocelle Park from 10 am.

April 27 (Jubilee of Priests): Centocelle Park from 10:30 am.

April 28 (Jubilee of People with Disabilities): St Peter’s Square from 5 pm.

May 4 (Jubilee of Workers and Jubilee of Entrepreneurs): Centocelle Park from 9:30 am.

May 11 (Jubilee of Marching Bands): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

May 18 (Jubilee of Confraternities): Centocelle Park from 10 am.

May 25 (Jubilee of Children): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

June 1 (Jubilee of Families): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

June 8 (Jubilee of Ecclesiastical Movements, Associations and New Communities): Centocelle Park from 9:30 am.

June 9 (Jubilee of the Holy See): St Peter’s Basilica from midday.

June 15 (Jubilee of Sport): St Peter’s Square 9:30 am.

June 22 (Jubilee of Governments): St Peter’s Basilica at 10 am.

June 27 (Jubilee of Priests): St Peter’s Square from 9:30 am.

August 3 (Jubilee of Youth): Tor Vergata from 9:30 am.

September 28 (Jubilee of Catechists): St Peter’s Square from 9:30 am.

October 5 (Jubilee of the Missions): Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls from 10 am.

October 9 (Jubilee of Consecrated Life): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

October 12 (Jubilee of Marian Spirituality): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

November 2 (Jubilee of the World of Education): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

November 16 (Jubilee of the Poor): St Peter’s Basilica from 10 am.

November 23 (Jubilee of the Choirs): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

December 14 (Jubilee of Prisoners): St Peter’s Square from 10 am.

* Please note that these timings are provisory and therefore subject to change. We would encourage you to check the Official Jubilee Website for the latest information.

How to Attend a Papal Audience During the Jubilee

How to secure tickets

If you need fewer than 10 tickets for a Papal General Audience, you can usually collect them without a reservation (subject to availability) from the Swiss Guards at the "Bronze Door" near St Peter's Basilica. Tickets can be picked up the day before the audience from 3 pm - 7 pm or on the morning of the event from 7 am - 8:30 am.

If you need more than 10 tickets or would rather reserve in advance, download this request form and email it to this address. No tickets are required for the Sunday Angelus at noon.

Best practices for attending

While tickets for Papal Audiences are free, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early if you wish to sit. When entering St Peter's Square, everyone will be required to pass through security, which includes metal detectors and x-ray machines, so we recommend you do not bring metal water bottles or similar items.

Learn more about securing tickets for the Papal Audience

Travel Tips for the Rome Jubilee 2025

Given the Jubilee calendar to date, the busiest times in Rome during Jubilee 2025 will probably be from the end of April to the end of June and the entire month of October. If your Jubilee event falls outside these windows, try to plan your pilgrimage accordingly.

Flying into Rome

Rome is served by two commercial airports: Roma Fiumicino and Roma Ciampino. Fiumicino is the larger of the two and is where you’ll be landing if you’re flying long-haul. It’s also better connected to the center, with trains running until late and coaches and taxis available all night. Ciampino is a hub for budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz, and while it’s closer to the city center than Fiumicino, by far the most convenient way to get into Rome is by taxi. Taxi fares from Rome’s airports to the city center are fixed by law. Never pay more than €55 from Fiumicino airport and €40 from Ciampino (a total for all passengers, including luggage).

Arriving by train

Rome is serviced by two major high-speed train operators: Trenitalia (the state-owned operator) and Italo (its private competitor). Both provide high-speed connections between Italy’s major cities (Turin, Milan, Venice, Florence etc.), but train tickets can be costly, especially if not purchased in advance. Trenitalia also runs a regional train service which is slower but generally a little more affordable.

Navigating Rome & the Vatican City

Rome Passes & Travel Cards

If you are staying in Rome for 2-3 days, plan to use Rome’s public transport, and are thinking of visiting plenty of attractions, you might want to consider getting the Roma Pass. Priced at €36.50 (48 hours) or €58.50 (72 hours), the Roma Pass grants you free or reduced entry to multiple sites — including the Colosseum — and unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metros.

Finding accommodation

If you want to secure affordable accommodation in Rome, start looking as soon as possible. Hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity of the Vatican are bound to get booked up quickly, so consider searching for accommodation close to Rome’s other papal basilicas – in the San Giovanni district (for St John in Lateran), the Ostiense district (for St Paul Outside the Walls), and the Monti district (for St Mary Major). Pilgrims looking for authentic accommodation might want to consider monastery stays as a convenient and cost-friendly alternative.

Visiting Rome’s attractions

Please note that during Jubilee 2025, access to the Trevi Fountain will be limited to help combat overcrowding. The details are still murky, but it appears that access will be controlled by on-site staff who will cordon the entrances to let in a few visitors at a time. The maximum number of people allowed at any one time will be established at a later stage when the city will evaluate whether to introduce a ticketing system and a "small contribution" for entry.

Rome's Major Basilicas and their Role in the Jubilee

St Peter’s Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where the Apostle Peter was martyred and buried, is the largest church in the world, located within Vatican City, the world’s smallest state. As the symbolic heart of Christianity, it showcases the artistic and architectural genius of figures like Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini.

The original basilica was consecrated by the emperor Constantine the Great in the early 4th century on the site of an ancient Roman circus, where tradition holds that St Peter was crucified upside down. Constantine’s basilica stood for over a thousand years, but by the 15th century, it had fallen into disrepair. Pope Julius II ordered its demolition in 1505, and the new basilica, completed over the next 120 years, incorporated stone from the Colosseum into its grand façade. Michelangelo’s iconic dome, visible across the city, crowns the basilica, while Bernini’s grand colonnade embraces St Peter’s Square, one of the Church’s most recognizable symbols.

Since Pope Alexander VI first opened the Holy Door for the Jubilee of 1500, St Peter’s Basilica has played a central role in Jubilee celebrations. Pilgrims from around the world flock here, especially during the Holy Year, to pass through the Holy Door and seek spiritual renewal.

Visit St Peter’s Basilica & more on a Private Vatican Tour

St John in Lateran

The Basilica of St John in Lateran holds the distinction of being the oldest basilica in the Western world and the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, making it the pope’s official seat. Built in the early 4th century under the patronage of the emperor Constantine, who also gifted the adjoining Lateran Palace to the popes as their official residence, it remained the papal home until the papacy's temporary move to Avignon in the 14th century during the Great Schism.

After the papacy returned to Rome, St Peter’s Basilica eventually took precedence in prominence, with the pope relocating to the Vatican after a short time in the Basilica of St Mary Major. However, St John in Lateran retained its ritual significance. Pope Martin V inaugurated its Holy Door during the Jubilee of 1425, marking its enduring role in Jubilee celebrations.

Today’s basilica primarily dates to the 16th and 17th centuries, following extensive restoration in the wake of devastating fires. Its architecture blends multiple styles and periods, and notable features include the bronze doors from the Roman Senate House and relics such as the skulls of St Peter and St Paul, as well as wood believed to be from the table of the Last Supper. Visitors should also seek out Giotto’s fresco of Boniface VIII, which depicts the first Jubilee in 1300.

St Mary Major

Dating to the 5th century, during the papacy of Sixtus III, the Basilica of St Mary Major was constructed following the Church’s official proclamation that Mary was the Mother of God. Although situated on the Esquiline Hill, one of Rome’s Seven Hills, the basilica is part of the Holy See and is administered by the Vatican. As the largest of Rome’s Marian churches and one of the city’s grandest, it stands out for having preserved its original early Christian structure, a rarity among Rome’s ancient churches.

The basilica is renowned for its exquisite 5th-century mosaics, which adorn the triumphal arch and nave and are some of the earliest and best-preserved depictions of the Virgin Mary in Christian art. Beneath the high altar lies the Crypt of the Nativity, where relics believed to include wood from Christ’s crib are housed, making this a site of profound spiritual significance. St Mary Major has played a pivotal role in Jubilee celebrations throughout the centuries. Pope Alexander VI was the first to open its Holy Door during the Jubilee of 1500, affirming its importance as a sacred pilgrimage site during Holy Years.

St Paul Outside the Walls

Also known as the Basilica Ostiense, due to its location along the Via Ostiense, St Paul Outside the Walls stands on the site of the Apostle Paul’s tomb, just south of Rome’s Aurelian Walls. The original basilica was built during the reign of Constantine, in 313 AD, but as Rome’s steady stream of pilgrims grew, it became clear that the structure was too small. A larger basilica was consecrated in 390, which at the time of its completion was the largest basilica in Rome, surpassing even St Peter’s, St John in Lateran, and Santa Maria Maggiore. This distinction held until the devastating fire of 1823 reduced it to ruins.

The current basilica, consecrated by Pope Pius IX in 1859, is a faithful reconstruction and remains the second-largest basilica in Rome after St Peter’s in the Vatican. Though relatively modern by Roman standards, it houses an impressive collection of ancient and medieval treasures, including a breathtaking series of 12th- and 13th-century mosaics. The most revered relic is its 1st- or 2nd-century sarcophagus, which recent radiocarbon dating strongly suggests contains the bones of St Paul himself.

St Paul Outside the Walls also plays a significant role during Jubilees. Pope Alexander VI was the first to open its Holy Door for the Jubilee of 1500, cementing the basilica’s significance as a key pilgrimage site.

Final Preparations for Rome Jubilee 2025

Early preparation is essential for any successful trip, and with so many currently planning their pilgrimages to Rome in 2025, you should start finalizing your plans as soon as possible. Whether that means securing your accommodation, booking your Vatican tour, or drawing up an itinerary that leads to all four Holy Doors, these are all key to getting the most out of the Jubilee.

You can keep up to date with all Jubilee-related news by following the Vatican News network or downloading the Official Iubilaeum25 App. And if you haven’t already applied for your Pilgrim’s Card you can still do so by registering through the online portal.

Rome Jubilee 2025 Event Calendar

Opening of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica - December 24, 2024 The Jubilee begins with the solemn opening of the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica. This sacred ritual marks the official start of the year of mercy, and 65,000 pilgrims are expected to gather in

Opening of the Holy Door of St John in Lateran’s Basilica - December 29, 2024 Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of the Basilica of St John in Lateran, which celebrates the 1700th anniversary of its dedication on November 9 2024.

Opening of the Holy Door of St Mary Major’s Basilica - January 1, 2025 The Pope will open the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major to coincide with the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy, Mother of God.

Opening of the Holy Door of St Paul Outside the Walls’ Basilica - January 5, 2025 Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls.

Jubilee of the World of Communications - January 24-26, 2025 Journalists and media professionals will be invited to reflect on the power of communication during the Jubilee of Communication. Events will be held at the Lateran Palace and Basilica of St John in Lateran on the evening of January 24 including a Mass and a series of discussions. Approximately 5,000 pilgrims are expected to attend. The following two days will see pilgrimages to the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, events in the Paul VI Audience Hall and elsewhere in St Peter’s Basilica, and a final Mass in the Basilica on the morning of January 26.

Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police and Security Personnel - February 8-9, 2025 This special Jubilee celebrates the service of military and police personnel with 50,000 pilgrims expected to attend. Proceedings will begin with pilgrimages to the Holy Door followed by a grand concert in the square beneath the Spanish Steps on the afternoon of February 8. This Jubilee event will conclude with a Mass and Angelus in St Peter’s Square on the morning of February 9.

Jubilee of Artists - February 16-18, 2025
Rome's cultural scene will be on full display during the Jubilee of Artists, with 3,000 artists expected to take part. This Jubilee will begin with a welcoming event in the Paul VI Audience Hall on February 16. The following day will begin with pilgrimages to the Holy Door after which there will be a catechesis on Blessed Angelico at the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva near the Pantheon, artistic exhibitions at Piazza del Popolo, and a concert in the Church of Sant’ignazio in the afternoon and evening. This Jubilee will conclude with Holy Mass in the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva on the morning of February 18.

Jubilee of Deacons - February 21-23, 2025
Around 20,000 participants are expected to attend this Jubilee, with liturgical events taking place in the following Jubilee churches around the city (organized according to language): Chiesa del Gesù, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Santa Maria in Traspontina, Sacro Cuore, Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, Santa Maria in Portico in Campitelli, Sant’Apollinare, San Andrea della Valle, San Salvatore in Lauro, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Sant’Agnese in Agone, San Luigi dei Francesi, Sant’Agostino, Santissima Trinità dei Monti, San Marcello al Corso, San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, Santa Maria in Montesanto, Santa Maria dell'Anima, Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso, Santi XII Apostoli and Santa Maria sopra Minerva. The following day will be dedicated to pilgrimages to the Holy Door, followed by an evening Vocational Vigil in St John in Lateran, St Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Sant’Andrea della Valle, Santa Maria Maggiore, Sant’Ignazio, the Church of the Gesù, and the Basilica of the Santi XII Apostoli. The Jubilee of Deacons will conclude on February 23 with a grand Mass in St Peter’s Square.

24 Hours for the Lord - March 28, 2025
Culminating in the Nocturnal Adoration, this significant spiritual period will take place in St Peter’s Basilica and several other churches throughout Rome: the Church of San Giovanni Bosco, the Church of Saint Peter and Paul, Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, the Church of San Giuseppe al Trionfale, and the Church of San Basilio.

Jubilee of the Missionaries of Mercy - March 28-30, 2025
Approximately 700 Missionaries of Mercy are expected to attend this Jubilee event, which begins with Holy Door pilgrimages and a special audience with the Pope in the Paul VI Audience Hall on the morning of March 29 and concludes with Mass at the Church of Sant'Andrea della Valle on March 30.

Jubilee of the Sick and Health Workers - April 5-6, 2025
This Jubilee is expected to draw around 150,000 pilgrims, and will unfold over the course of two days. The first will involve pilgrimages to the Holy Door and various cultural events throughout many of Rome’s main squares and gardens, including Castel Sant'Angelo, the Pincian Terrace, Piazza Santi Apostoli, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Borghese, Piazza Navona, Piazza Farnese, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Castel Sant'Angelo and Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. The Jubilee concludes with a Mass in Centocelle Park on the morning of April 6.

Jubilee of Teenagers - April 25-27, 2025
Rome is expecting to welcome 90,000 teenagers to this spectacular celebration for young people. On April 25, after pilgrimages to the Holy Door, the Church of St Peter and Paul Church in EUR will host prayer sessions with the Fiera di Roma offering overnight accommodation (upon request). Throughout the late afternoon and evening of April 26, many of the city’s squares will host concerts and musical events including Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, Piazza dell'Esquilino, Vicariato, Piazza Dante, Piazza di Satan Croce in Gerusalemme, Villa De Sanctis, Piazza Re di Roma, culminating in a music concert in Centocelle Park. Centocelle Park will also be the location of Mass at 10:30 am on April 27.

Jubilee of People with Disabilities - April 28-29, 2025
These two days are dedicated to celebrating inclusion, with 50,000 pilgrims with disabilities and their families undertaking pilgrimages to the Holy Door and attending a Mass at St Peter’s Square on April 28. April 29 begins with a Papal Audience in Centocelle Park from 11 am, followed by lunch at 1 pm and a party until 7 pm.

Jubilee of Workers - May 1-4, 2025
Coinciding with celebrations for the public holiday International Workers' Day, this Jubilee promises to be one of the busiest of the year. The first three days will begin with pilgrimages to the Holy Door, after which concerts and cultural events will be held in Piazza San Giovanni from mid-afternoon until midnight on May 1. Piazza del Popolo will be the focal point of events on May 2 while both Piazza del Popolo and the Gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo will host cultural events on the afternoon of May 3. The Jubilee concludes with a Mass in Centocelle Park from 10:30 am on May 4.

Jubilee of Entrepreneurs - May 4-5, 2025
Celebrating the innovation of international entrepreneurs, this two-day Jubilee consists of a Mass at Centocelle Park on the morning of May 4 followed by pilgrimages to the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica and a welcome meeting and catechesis in the Paul VI Audience Hall on May 5.

Jubilee of Marching Bands - May 10-11, 2025
Around 50,000 pilgrims and musicians are expected to attend this Jubilee, with Holy Door pilgrimages on the morning of May 10 and band performances in Piazza del Popolo and many other squares in Rome in the afternoon (from around 4 - 7:30 pm). Mass will be held in St Peter’s Square on the morning of May 11.

Jubilee of the Eastern Churches - May 12-14, 2025
The Jubilee of the Eastern Churches begins with pilgrimages to the Holy Door of Santa Maria Maggiore and the celebration of liturgical rites across various churches on May 12. This will be followed by a Papal Audience on the morning of May 13 and celebrations of respective liturgical rites on May 13 and May 14.

Jubilee of Confraternities - May 16-18, 2025
Around 150,000 pilgrims are expected for this Jubilee of the Confraternities. May 16 and 17 both begin with pilgrimages to the Holy Door followed by a welcome meeting in Piazza del Popolo (on May 16) and a procession along Via dei Fori Imperiali (at 5 pm on May 17). The Jubilee concludes with a Mass in Centocelle Park from 10 am on May 18.

Jubilee of Children - May 24-25, 2025
Rome is expecting to welcome 40,000 celebrants for the Jubilee of Children. May 24 will begin with pilgrimages to the Holy Door followed by concerts and thematic events throughout the following city squares: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, Piazza dell’Esquilino, Vicariato di Roma, Piazza Dante, Piazza di Siena e Piazza Napoleone I (Villa Borghese). Optional overnight accommodation is available at Fiera di Roma. Holy Mass will take place in St Peter’s Square on the morning of May 25.

Jubilee of Families - May 30-June 1, 2025
Families from around the world will gather for the Jubilee of Families. Holy Door pilgrimages are scheduled for every day (apart from June 1) from 8 am - 6 pm. Concerts, performances and a prayer vigil will be held in the Church of Santissima Trinità dei Monti on the afternoon of May 30, and a catechesis, animation and gathering will take place in Santa Maria in Trastevere and Piazza del Popolo on May 31 followed by a vigil and celebration in Piazza San Giovanni that will take place throughout the evening. This Jubilee concludes with a Mass in Saint Peter’s Square on the morning of June 1.

Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities - June 7-8, 2025
This two-day Jubilee is expected to draw 150,000 celebrants for pilgrimages to Holy Door on the morning of June 7 and celebration and vigil in St Peter’s Square in the evening. Mass in Centocelle Park on the morning of June 8 will bring this Jubilee to a close

Jubilee of the Holy See - June 9, 2025
This one-day Jubilee is a private event, taking place within the confines of St Peter’s and the Vatican. After morning reflection in the Paul VI Audience Hall, there will be a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica followed by a midday Mass in St Peter’s Square.

Jubilee of Sport - June 14-15, 2025
Around 50,000 pilgrims are expected to attend this two-day summer Jubilee. Pilgrimages to the Holy Door are scheduled for June 14 while spectacular sporting events will take place at the Foro Italico and Olympic Stadium between 10 am - 7:30 pm. Mass will be held in St Peter's Square from 9:30 am on June 15.

Jubilee of Governments - June 20-22, 2025
The Jubilee of Governments will unite politicians and pilgrims from around the world for Holy Door pilgrimages and a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica (on June 22 from 10 am).

Jubilee of Seminarians - June 23-26, 2025
Expected to draw 15,000 celebrants, this Jubilee begins on the morning of June 23 with a welcome meeting in the Diocese of Rome (St John in Lateran) followed by the Recitation of First Vespers in Piazza San Giovanni and an (optional) overnight stay at accommodation in Fiera di Roma. June 24 begins with a catechesis with the Pope in St Peter’s Square followed by a pilgrimage to the Basilica’s Holy Door and a celebration in the Gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo. A Vocational Vigil, held in St Peter’s Square on the evening of June 26, will bring the Jubilee of Seminarians to a close.

Jubilee of Bishops - June 25-26, 2025
This Jubilee expects to welcome 1,000 bishops for a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St John in Lateran and a moment of reflection in the Basilica on the morning of June 25. A Vocational Vigil in St Peter’s Square will bring this Jubilee to a close on the evening of June 26.

Jubilee of Priests - June 25-27, 2025
Some 40,000 priests are expected to make a pilgrimage to Rome for this summer Jubilee event. Beginning with a welcome event and dinner in Piazza San Giovanni on the evening of June 25, the Jubilee culminates with a pilgrimage to the Holy Door and Vocational Vigil in St Peter’s Square on June 26 and a Mass in St Peter’s Square on the morning of June 27.

Jubilee of the Youth - July 28-August 3, 2025
The pinnacle event for young people, the Jubilee of the Youth is expected to draw 1 million pilgrims to the Italian capital. Holy Door pilgrimages are scheduled daily from 8 am - 7:30 pm together with a plethora of cultural activities, concerts, prayers, and celebrations. The Jubilee of Influencers will be held in St Peter’s Square (June 28-29) while other Jubilee events will take place across Rome’s large squares and parks (Villa Ada, Villa Borghese and Villa Doria Pamphili) on June 30 and 31. The Circus Maximus will host a penitential day on August 1 while Tor Vergata host a day of celebrations on August 2 and a final Mass on the morning of August 3.

Jubilee of Consolation - September 15, 2025
This one-day Jubilee event envisages pilgrimages to the Holy Door, from 8 am - 6 pm, and a Vigil in St Peter’s Basilica from 5 pm.

Jubilee of Justice - September 20, 2025
Following pilgrimages to the Holy Door from 9 am - 11:30 am, the Jubilee of Justice will conclude with a midday catechesis in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall.

Jubilee of Catechists - September 26-28, 2025
Around 20,000 catechists are expected to gather for three days of reflection and celebration across the Italian capital. Pilgrimages to the Holy Door will take place all day on September 26 and 27 followed by a welcome meeting in Piazza San Giovanni (September 26) and catechesis in the following Jubilee churches and squares throughout the city:Chiesa del Gesù, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Santa Maria in Traspontina, Sacro Cuore, Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, Santa Maria in Portico in Campitelli, Sant’Apollinare, San Andrea della Valle, San Salvatore in Lauro, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Sant’Agnese in Agone, San Luigi dei Francesi, Sant’Agostino, Santissima Trinità dei Monti, San Marcello al Corso, San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, Santa Maria in Montesanto, Santa Maria dell'Anima, Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso, Santi XII Apostoli and Santa Maria sopra Minerva. A Mass in St Peter’s Square on the morning of September 28 will bring this Jubilee to a close.

Jubilee of Missions - October 4-5, 2025
Missionaries from all over the world will celebrate their service with Holy Door pilgrimages, liturgical services and cultural events. October 4 will begin with a Papal Audience in St Peter’s Square followed by dozens of cultural activities throughout the following city squares: Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Santi Apostoli, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Borghese, Piazza Navona, Piazza Farnese, Piazza Quirinale, Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, Piazza di Spagna, Piazzale Caduti di Montagnola, Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Piazza San Salvatore in Lauro, Piazza della Minerva, Piazza delle Vaschette, Piazza San Silvestro in Capite and the Pincian Terrace. Mass will take place in the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls on the morning of October 5 followed by an international seminar of the Pontifical Urban University.

Jubilee of Consecrated Life - October 8-9, 2025
Around 10,000 pilgrims are expected for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, which will consist of pilgrimages to the Holy Door, cultural activities in various churches (Chiesa del Gesù, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Santa Maria in Traspontina, Sacro Cuore, Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, Santa Maria in Portico in Campitelli, Sant’Apollinare, San Andrea della Valle, San Salvatore in Lauro, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Sant’Agnese in Agone, San Luigi dei Francesi, Sant’Agostino, Santissima Trinità dei Monti, San Marcello al Corso, San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, Santa Maria in Montesanto, Santa Maria dell'Anima, Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso, Santi XII Apostoli and Santa Maria sopra Minerva), and a prayer vigil in Piazza San Giovanni. Mass in St Peter’s Square on the morning of October 9 will mark the conclusion of this Jubilee.

Jubilee of Marian Spirituality - October 11-12, 2025
This two-day Jubilee event is expected to draw 30,000 pilgrims for Holy Door pilgrimages and a prayer vigil in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on October 11 and Mass in St Peter’s Square on the morning of October 12.

Jubilee of the World of Education - October 30 - November 2, 2025
Celebrating the opportunity and innovation that education affords, this Jubilee is expected to draw 30,000 pilgrims expected for moments of spiritual reflection and cultural celebration. Universities and squares throughout Rome will host festivities on October 30, subdivided according to the language of participants. Holy Door pilgrimages are scheduled for October 31 followed by a plethora of cultural activities in the following churches: Chiesa del Gesù, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Santa Maria in Traspontina, Sacro Cuore, Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, Santa Maria in Portico in Campitelli, Sant’Apollinare, San Andrea della Valle, San Salvatore in Lauro, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Sant’Agnese in Agone, San Luigi dei Francesi, Sant’Agostino, Santissima Trinità dei Monti, San Marcello al Corso, San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, Santa Maria in Montesanto, Santa Maria dell'Anima, Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso, Santi XII Apostoli and Santa Maria sopra Minerva. This Jubilee will conclude with a Mass in St Peter’s Square on the morning of November 2.

Jubilee of the Poor - November 16, 2025
Around 10,000 pilgrims are expected in Rome for the Jubilee of the Poor. The day will begin with a Holy Door pilgrimage, followed by a Mass St Peter’s Basilica and lunch in Paul VI Audience Hall.

Jubilee of Prisoners - December 14, 2025
Around 6,000 detainees and other pilgrims are expected to attend the final group Jubilee event. The Pope has expressed his wish to open a Holy Door in one of Rome’s prisons (location as yet unknown) with the hope that prisoners “look to the future with hope and a renewed sense of confidence” during the Jubilee Year. The events scheduled for December 14 are a pilgrimage to the Holy Door at 9 am and a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica at 10 am.

Closing of the Holy Doors of St John, St Mary and St Paul basilicas - December 28, 2025
On December 28, the Pope will close the Holy Doors of the three papal basilicas outside the Vatican: St John in Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul outside the Walls.

Closing of the Holy Doors of St Peter’s Basilica - January 6, 2025
With the closing of the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, the Pope will symbolically bring Rome Jubilee 2025 to an end.