In 2025, one of the most sacred and historic events in the Christian world will take place in Rome – the Catholic Holy Year of Jubilee. Held only once every 25 years, this is an extraordinary time to plan a visit to Italy and the Vatican City. Here are the top reasons why 2025 presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for travelers:
An Event Dating Back 700 Years
The concept of holding a Holy Year of Jubilee to allow forgiveness of sins dates back to 1300 when it was launched by Pope Boniface VIII. This ancient tradition celebrates Jesus’s teachings and allows the faithful to experience special blessings through pilgrimage to Rome. To witness these centuries-old rituals and be part of the Jubilee is to experience living history.
Spiritual Blessings and Indulgences
During Jubilee years, Catholics can receive special spiritual indulgences by passing through holy doors at basilicas in Rome and engaging in other religious rituals and good works. For the faithful, this is a profoundly meaningful chance to renew their beliefs and connections to the Church.
The Opening of the Holy Doors
One of the most powerful symbols is the unlocking of the sealed Holy Doors at the Vatican and Rome’s major basilicas by the Pope. This ritual marks the official start of the Jubilee period and draws pilgrims from around the world yearning to be among the first to walk through these portals of faith.
Global Celebrations and The Pope’s Presence
In addition to masses and events in Rome, the Jubilee sparks special religious observations and rituals in churches across Italy and the entire Catholic world. The eyes of the faithful will be on Rome in 2025, where the Pope will be front and center leading ancient rites and giving his blessings to all.
Some ways to witness these experiences in your travels:
Viator Jubilee Tour – A great way to see the top sights of Rome without the pressure of planning it yourself.
Witness the Ancient Holy Door Opening Ceremony (Dec 24, 2024)
Your Jubilee journey begins by being present for the momentous opening of the Holy Doors in Rome by the Pope himself. This ritual marks the official start and allows pilgrims to pass through for plenary indulgences. Here’s how to get pole position:
•Book a tour well in advance through a guided pilgrimage company like Unitours (unitours.com) or 206 Tours (206tours.com) to secure a prime viewing spot in St. Peter’s Square for the Holy Door opening at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024. Arrive very early for the best vantage points.
•In the days after, timing is more flexible to see the Holy Door openings held separately at the other three major Papal basilicas – St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. Posto Brasile offers tours including all four (postobrasile.it).
Walk the Seven Pilgrim Basilica Routes
One of the most meaningful ways to experience the Jubilee is by embarking on the Via delle Sette Chiese (Way of the Seven Churches), walking pilgrim routes to each of the basilicas where Holy Doors have been opened. Religious tour companies provide guides:
•Relevation Tours runs a 2-day “Seven Church Walk” with transport between stops (relevationtoursrome.com).
•For a more rustic local experience, Rex Roma can arrange self-guided walking tours with mobile app audio guides between churches (rexromawalks.com).
Don’t miss a chance to attend Papal liturgies inside these revered basilicas for blessings and indulgences.
Attend the Papal Holy Year Opening Mass (Dec 24, 2024)
Officially kicking off the Holy Year will be the special Jubilee Opening Mass held by the Pope in St. Peter’s Square on Christmas Eve 2024. A breathtaking experience sure to book up far in advance:
•Itsapilltrip.com offers a premium package with reserved seating, hotel, airport transfers and a guided Vatican tour.
•Caitravelstore.com has more affordable options including Papal Audience tickets and a spot on Via della Conciliazione for the Papal procession before Mass.
Not planning to be there on that day? You can still have the experience without the opening mass! Check out this tour of the 4 Papal Basilicas.
The Via Crucis Torchlight Procession at the Colosseum
One of the most striking visuals comes during Lent when the Pope leads the powerful Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession at night around the ancient Roman Colosseum. Join in this reenactment:
•Ask your hotel concierge about securing ceremony access passes in advance.
•Crisplacetours.com conducts guided tours staying behind at the Colosseum after the public has left to witness the procession up close.
Ascend the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs)
The Jubilee Year will open with the Pope himself ascending the Scala Sancta on his knees. These 28 marble stairs from Jerusalem’s Praetorium are meant to be climbed in such humble reverence to receive a plenary indulgence:
•The Basilica of St. John Lateran offers free admission to climb the Scala Sancta throughout the Holy Year.
•PopesPrayer.com provides guided group tours focused specifically on indulgence devotions like the Holy Stairs.
With some strategic planning, you can experience all the hallowed Jubilee rituals, sacraments and royal blessings that will make 2025 such a singularly meaningful time for pilgrimage. Don’t let this rare event pass you by!
The Traveling Homeschool 