Jubilee 2025: Everything you need to know about this exceptional event

The 2025 Jubilee is a Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, offering the faithful a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal, reconciliation and pilgrimage. This event is attracting millions of pilgrims from all over the world to Rome, eager to participate in the various celebrations and to obtain the plenary indulgence.

What is the Grand Jubilee of 2025?

The Jubilee, or Holy Year, is a Catholic tradition dating back to 1300, established by Pope Boniface VIII. Initially celebrated every 50 years, it is now observed every 25 years. The 2025 Jubilee, with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, invites the faithful to strengthen their faith and renew their spiritual commitment.

This jubilee year is marked by specific rites, including the opening of the Holy Doors in the four major basilicas of Rome, symbolising the entrance to a renewed life in Christ. Pilgrims are encouraged to pass through these doors, to go to confession, to participate in the Eucharist and to perform acts of charity to obtain plenary indulgence.

Major Vatican events in 2025

The Vatican will be the beating heart of the 2025 Jubilee, with a series of events and celebrations planned throughout the year:

• Opening of the Holy Door: On 24 December 2024, Pope Francis will solemnly open the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica, marking the official beginning of the Jubilee. This symbolic ceremony attracts thousands of the faithful and launches a year of grace and forgiveness.
• Themed celebrations: Masses and ceremonies will be dedicated to various groups and communities, such as young people, families, the sick and the disabled. For example, the Jubilee for the Sick and for Healthcare Workers is scheduled for 5 and 6 April 2025 at Centocelle Park.
• Ecumenical and interfaith meetings: In a spirit of unity, the Vatican will organise dialogues and prayers with representatives of other Christian denominations and religions, promoting peace and mutual understanding.
• Cultural events: Concerts, sacred art exhibitions and theological conferences will be offered to pilgrims, enriching their spiritual and cultural experience in Rome.

The Jubilee 2025 in Italy: What do you need to know?

Although the Vatican is the nerve centre of the Jubilee, the whole of Italy is participating in this spiritual celebration. Several Italian cities, rich in religious heritage, will host events and pilgrims:

• Assisi: The birthplace of St Francis, Assisi is a major pilgrimage site. The faithful can visit the Basilica of St Francis, where the saint's relics rest, and participate in spiritual retreats centred on simplicity and peace.
• Florence: Known for its artistic heritage, Florence will offer exhibitions highlighting the sacred art of the Renaissance, as well as lectures on the role of faith in art and culture.
• Naples: a city with a rich religious heritage, Naples will organise traditional processions and celebrations in honour of its patron saints, offering pilgrims an immersion in Italian popular devotion.

The Italian authorities are working closely with the Vatican to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims, setting up reception facilities and information services in the main cities concerned.

The Holy Doors and their significance

The Holy Doors are special doors located in the four major basilicas of Rome:

• St Peter's Basilica: The Holy Door of this basilica is the most emblematic. Its opening officially marks the beginning of the Jubilee.
• Basilica of St John Lateran: The cathedral of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, it plays a central role in the Jubilee celebrations.
• Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls: Known for housing the tomb of St Paul, its Holy Door is a special place of contemplation.
• Basilica of Saint Mary Major: this basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is an important sanctuary for pilgrims.

Passing through a Holy Door is a highly symbolic gesture in the Catholic tradition. It represents the passage to a new spiritual life and the strengthening of the bond with God.

To obtain a plenary indulgence by passing through one of these doors, the faithful must fulfil several conditions:

• Confess in order to be in a state of grace.
• Participate in mass and receive the Eucharist.
• Recite the Creed and pray for the Pope's intentions.
• Perform an act of charity or mercy.

The rite of opening and closing the Holy Doors is a solemn moment presided over by the Pope. The door is sealed at the end of the Jubilee and will not be reopened until the next Holy Year.

The 2025 Jubilee in Lourdes: A Pilgrimage of Hope

In parallel with the celebrations in Rome, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes plays an essential role in the 2025 Jubilee, offering pilgrims a unique opportunity to experience this holy year in a place emblematic of the Catholic faith.

Opening of the Jubilee Year in Lourdes

The festivities officially began on 31 December 2024 with a solemn mass at 11 p.m. at the Grotto of Massabielle, marking the beginning of the Holy Year in Lourdes. This celebration will precede the opening of the Holy Door in Rome by Pope Francis on 24 December 2024.

The Jubilee Path

From 11 February 2025, the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, pilgrims will be able to follow the Jubilee Path. This spiritual journey, accessible on weekends until the official opening of the pilgrimages, invites the faithful to deep reflection and immersion in divine mercy.

Obtaining the Plenary Indulgence

Pilgrims visiting Lourdes during the Holy Year can receive the plenary indulgence by fulfilling the following conditions:

• Go to confession and be in a state of grace.
• Participate in the Eucharist and receive communion.
• Pray for the Pope's intentions.
• Perform one of the following acts:
  • Participate in the Stations of the Cross.
  • Recite the Rosary.
  • Participate in a Marian procession at the sanctuary.
  • Follow the Jubilee Path.
  • Practise Eucharistic Adoration.
  • Receive the solemn blessing given by a bishop.
  • Perform a work of mercy towards people in difficulty.

A Place of Welcome for All

The Sanctuary of Lourdes, faithful to its mission of hospitality, makes it a point of honour to welcome in particular the sick, people with disabilities and their carers, offering them suitable facilities to fully experience the graces of the Jubilee.

Special prayer for the Jubilee 2025

Almighty and Merciful Lord,

In this year of grace, we turn to You with humility and faith.

Forgive our faults and enlighten our hearts in our quest for redemption.

Guide us along the path of hope and fraternity.

Open our souls to your infinite love and make us witnesses of your peace.

May this Jubilee be a time of conversion, forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

We praise and bless You, today and for ever and ever.

Amen.

FAQ

• What is Jubilee 2025?

  Jubilee 2025 is a holy year organised by the Catholic Church, marked by celebrations, pilgrimages and plenary indulgences.

• What are the major events of the Jubilee 2025?

  Events include the opening of the Holy Doors, solemn masses, papal blessings and interfaith meetings.

• How can I obtain an indulgence during the Jubilee?

  To obtain a plenary indulgence, you must pass through a Holy Door, go to confession, receive communion, pray for the Pope's intentions and perform an act of charity.

• Where are the Holy Doors in Rome?

  The Holy Doors are located in the major basilicas of Rome: St Peter's, St John Lateran, St Paul's Outside the Walls and St Mary Major.

• Why is the Jubilee celebrated every 25 years?

  The Jubilee is celebrated every 25 years to mark a period of spiritual renewal and conversion, allowing the faithful to receive special graces.