The Jubilee of 2025 could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Catholics across the globe to experience a sacred spiritual renewal and deepening of their faith. Are you ready to embark upon this potentially life-changing pilgrimage to Rome to experience it all firsthand? Let us help make this trip a reality for you!
This sacred year kicked off on December 24, 2024, and extends through January 6, 2026. The year-long event’s origins are steeped in history, scripture, and are focused on renewal, forgiveness, and celebration. Ordinary Jubilees occur every 25 years, although the Pope has been known to establish Extraordinary Jubilees in the interim.
There will not be another Ordinary Jubilee until 2050, so take advantage of our travel agents’ expertise and itinerary planning to make this year’s Jubilee the year for an amazing pilgrimage.
The Origins of Jubilee Holy Year
The Jubilee Holy Year has its origins in chapter 25 of the Bible’s book of Leviticus as a time of reconciliation, spiritual renewal, and a return home. In this chapter the author said, “And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to its clan. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of itself nor gather the grapes from the undressed vines. For it is a jubilee. It shall be holy to you…” (Leviticus 25:10-12 ESV).
Since February of 1300 during the first Jubilee declared by Pope Boniface VIII, the Catholic Church has used the Jubilee Holy Year to encourage followers around the world to forgive and reconcile. However, it’s timing has changed. Initially, Ordinary Jubilees were to be celebrated each century before being changed to every fifty years and now every 25 years.
The late Pope Francis previously designated the 2025 Holy Year as a period in which Christians should renew themselves as “Pilgrims of Hope.”
The Purpose of the Jubilee Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Paul and St. Peter is still a common practice today for many Catholics. It can require them to cross the boundaries of countries and even oceans.
Being a religious pilgrimage, there is an emphasis on the time preparing for the journey. Many places in the Bible, including the Old and New Testament, note the significance of some biblical icons’ journeys such as Abraham’s journey to the Promised Land in the book of Genesis, and Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is noted in the New Testament.
During the journey, pilgrims are encouraged to contemplate creation and embrace the transformation of conforming to God’s holiness.
The Pilgrimage
The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope.” The wish is for Catholics to remember to trust in God’s promises and then extend that hope to others with acts of mercy and love.
One of the most desired experiences for those making the pilgrimage to Rome, is to walk through the Holy Door. Because of the apostles who taught and ministered in Rome during biblical times, this geographic location still holds great significance for many pilgrims.
The Holy Door is quite special because it is a visual representation of entering the Jubilee for those pilgrims fortunate enough to walk through it. The door is opened by the Pope at the beginning of the Holy Year. On Christmas Eve of 2024, the late Pope Francis officially opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. To allow as many pilgrims to have the Holy Door experience as possible, other Roman Basilicas also open holy doors.
The importance of the door is cited in chapter 10 of the Bible’s book of John in which it says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9 NKJV).
Entering through the door to the church is symbolic of following Jesus (also referred to as the Good Shepherd) and accepting His guidance.
Afterall, the purpose of the pilgrimage is for pilgrims to put God at the forefront of their lives by renewing their relationship with Him and recognizing His sovereignty. Part of this journey is receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation during which pilgrims are reminded of the importance of confession and God’s forgiveness.
Celebrating Jubilee in Rome
For those who have not participated in a Jubilee before, it is usually characterized by spiritual practices such as:
- Paying a visit to certain holy sites
- Participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for indulgence
- Meeting specific conditions to obtain indulgences
- Engaging in acts of mercy
- Praying and reflecting on scripture and God’s role in their lives
For pilgrims devoted to making a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, they can experience the Holy Door at one of the following major Papal Basilicas:
St. Peter’s Basilica (located in the Vatican)
This basilica is also known as Papal Basilica of San Pietro. Tradition tells us that the Apostle Peter’s tomb was laid to rest here after his crucifixion and that the Basilica came soon after and was dedicated to the Saint. It was originally established in the fourth century and then rebuilt over the original site during the seventeenth century. It is well known for its works of art by the likes of artists such as Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini.
St. John Lateran’s Basilica
This basilica is also sometimes known as the Archbasilica of The Most Holy Saviour and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist or Papal Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. The land for this basilica originally belonged to the Laterani family before changing to Emperor Nero’s hands before eventually going to Pope Melchiades. The basilica was consecrated in the fourth century and houses numerous important relics.
St. Mary Major’s Basilica
Also known as the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, it is estimated to have been built during the latter half of the fourth century and is considered to be the oldest Marian church inside of Rome.
St. Paul’s Basilica
This basilica was inaugurated in the middle of the nineteenth century by Pope Pius IX. It contains a biblical chain that is said to have been used to bound a Roman solider to the Apostle Paul while he was in a Roman prison waiting for trial.
Some pilgrims visiting Rome may choose to participate in the Seven Churches Pilgrimage. This pilgrimage originated in the sixteenth century by St. Philip Neri and is a little over fifteen miles. On foot, pilgrims on this journey wind their way through the city of Rome, the countryside, and the catacombs. The stops include:
- Papal Basilica of San Pietro (The Basilica of St. Peter)
- Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (The Basilica of St. Mary Major Maggiore)
- Basilica of San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura (The Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls)
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (The Basilica of Santa Croce)
- Papal Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (The Basilica of St. John Lateran)
- Papal Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura (The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls)
- Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura (The Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls)
Helpful Tips for Pilgrims to Make the Most of Jubilee 2025 in Rome
When planning a trip to Rome to experience the Jubilee, you will likely have some questions regarding the weather, what to pack, what to expect in the way of crowds, and any special considerations to make the most of your trip.
Late spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit Rome as the weather is pleasant and there are typically fewer crowds. However, the Jubilee will attract an estimated 35 million visitors, so it is advised to book your attraction tickets, accommodations and transportation arrangements before you arrive.
If you plan on visiting in the fall, expect average daytime temperatures around 70°F, with lows around 54°F. If you will be traveling in the winter months instead, plan for average high temperatures between 55°F to 62°F and low temperatures between 38°F to 46°F. Consider packing a compact umbrella in case of rain.
When considering what to pack, think of the religious sites you will visit. While comfortable walking shoes are at the top of the list, it’s important to note that respectful attire will be required for many religious sites. Since shoulders and knees should be covered, many choose to bring along a scarf or shawl as a shoulder covering. In addition to modest clothing, remember to pack any personal medications you may need, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a portable phone charger so you can take plenty of photos. Packing a small day bag or backpack will also be helpful for keeping your personal items secure while exploring.
One last consideration to make the most of the Jubilee 2025 would be to learn a few key words in Italian to elevate your experience. Some common words pilgrims may use include:
- Ciao (hello)
- Arrivederci (goodbye)
- Grazie (thank you)
- Celebrazione (celebration)
- Messa (mass)
- Fede (faith)
- Carita (charity)
With some advanced planning, appropriate attire, comfortable walking shoes and a little patience for the crowds that want to celebrate along with you, experiencing the Jubilee in the Eternal City will provide you with lasting memories of this amazing pilgrimage.
How We Can Help Make a Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage to Rome a Reality
While Catholics across the world can participate in Jubilee 2025 right where they are, there is something special about making the pilgrimage to Rome.
Whereas some travel agencies may be able to put together a Jubilee 2025 trip to Italy, a select few can say it is where they were born and raised. Our founder, Tommaso DePoi, has the unique benefit of having been born in Lake Como, Italy and living there for decades. Because of this firsthand knowledge of the country, he is an expert at knowing how to plan a trip that allows you to experience this lovely country just as the locals do.
Italy is a country infused with rich religious traditions of which those who call it their homeland know plenty about. We have been planning trips to Rome and Greater Italy for more than 20 years and specialize in putting together travel arrangements and itineraries for religious-focused trips such as the Jubilee of 2025.
Let us show you the beauty of Rome with an itinerary designed to help you capture the sacred spiritual renewal of this historic event. The Jubilee Holy Year ends on January 6, 2026, so do not delay in reaching out to us so we can begin getting everything in order and make this amazing trip a reality for you!
Jubilee 2025 is a beautiful holy event that typically happens once every twenty-five years. If you want to plan your pilgrimage and take a trip of a lifetime, call us today to set your trip to Italy in motion.