This summer, many tourists brave the heat to visit Vatican City. Next year, an estimated 35 million pilgrims are expected to gather for the 2025 Jubilee. In the Roman Catholic tradition, a Holy Year, or Jubilee, represents a time of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. For many attendees, this Holy Year can be transformative, deepening their union with Christ and strengthening their faith.

Spiritual Significance of the Holy Door

Alessia Reyes from the Vatican’s Office for Evangelisation says, “It is a very important event, especially for the pilgrims who are coming over here in Italy, especially here in Rome, in the center of the Roman Catholic Church. There's really a spiritual significance for the pilgrims who come over here to cross through the famous Holy Door. It is open specifically for this historical event every 25 years.”

The opening of the Holy Door invites Christians to make the passage from sin to grace. According to the Jubilee website, to obtain an Indulgence, pilgrims in Rome can undertake a pilgrimage to at least one of the four major papal basilicas in the city.

Vatican's Preparations for the Jubilee

In 2022, the Pope assigned by letter the responsibility of planning the upcoming Jubilee to the Vatican Office for Evangelization. One of their responsibilities includes providing information to incoming pilgrims to give them the most fruitful experience possible.

“This Jubilee,” Reyes says, “we didn’t expect that many people, especially from youth, to keep on asking more information about the Jubilee of the youth, and it is very pleasant because we didn't expect that many youths could be interested in participating in it, but not only participating as pilgrims, but also as volunteers.”

Pilgrims' Excitement and Involvement

A University of Arkansas student, Jenna Klewsaat, has witnessed all the Jubilee preparations.

“After being in Rome for this past month,” Klewsaat shares, “and seeing all the excitement around the Jubilee, all of the preparations and everything that's going on, all the hard work that's going into making sure that this Jubilee runs smoothly, I would love to come back with my mother and my family and really celebrate my faith with them.”

But it isn't just Catholics who are feeling the excitement around next year’s Jubilee.

Evian Keels, another University of Arkansas student, shares, “I was not raised with any religious affiliation, but obviously coming to Rome, it's like the heart of Catholicism. And you just can't help but feel inspired and connected to all of the history surrounding Catholicism that's around you. And a large part of that are the preparations for the upcoming Jubilee; the people here seem to be really preparing spiritually for the Jubilee. And that's something that you just can't help but connect with when you're here.”

Citywide Preparations and Renovations

Rome began preparing for the Jubilee in 2022, following the Pope’s call for the city to be ready for the anticipated influx of pilgrims and tourists. Construction projects are underway throughout the city center, including the transformation of Piazza Pia into a more pedestrian-friendly square. This renovation will connect Castel Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Square. Additionally, Pope Francis has declared this year a time of prayer, encouraging pilgrims to spiritually prepare for the forthcoming Jubilee.

Reyes says, “We're trying our best to assist and give all the information, especially help them in registering, because in order to participate and be a pilgrim, you need to register through our website and get the QR code. So this is a new thing for this Jubilee.”

A Year of Hope and Renewal

The theme for the 2025 Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope.” The beginning of the Jubilee is marked by the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica this Christmas Eve, following a 500-year-old ritual. It will be the start of a year of much-needed hope!

Hope does not disappoint, and we hope whether you are in or outside of the faith, you can join in on the celebrations of this upcoming Jubilee.

Adapted by Jacob Stein

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