Pilgrims of Hope: Italy’s Jubilee Year

There are few cities in the world as important to western culture as Rome. As the hub ancient learning, art, and architecture, “The Eternal City” should be on everyone’s travel bucket list.

If your summer travel plans include a visit to Italy this year, you’re in luck, as this year the Roman Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee year, also known as a Holy Year. While Jubilee years are times of deep religious significance for Catholics around the world, they offer opportunities for non-Catholics as well.

The idea of a Jubilee year finds its origins in the Old Testament, where every 50th year was a time of forgiveness of debts, liberation of slaves, and rest for the land. Inspired by this biblical tradition, Pope Boniface VIII instituted the first Catholic Jubilee in the year 1300. Originally planned for every 100th year, the frequency was later adjusted, and Jubilees typically take place every 25 years, though special Jubilees are occasionally instituted.

Pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square

In the past, Jubilees have drawn millions of religious pilgrims and secular visitors to Rome, because each Jubilee year offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal. The theme for the 2025 Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope”, reflecting the late Pope Francis’s desire for the Church to be a beacon of hope to the entire world through community, mercy, and active charity.

Beyond the religious and spiritual implications for Catholics, the Jubilee signifies expanded opportunities for all visitors to explore the incomparably rich history of one of the world’s most important cities.

The most iconic and religiously important element of a Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Doors. The Holy Doors are special doors located in the four papal basilicas of Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Typically sealed shut from the inside, these doors are opened only during a Jubilee. For Catholics, passage through the Holy Doors symbolizes a spiritual transformation of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Four Holy Doors
Top, l-r: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls
Bottom, l-r: St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major

Visiting these holy sites is not exclusive to Catholics, however. People of all faiths are invited to pass through the doors. While for non-Catholics this passage may not hold any spiritual significance, the historical significance of the doors and what lies beyond – relics, art, and artifacts only viewable during a Jubilee – is undeniable. So, if you are in Rome this year, a visit to the four papal basilicas to pass through the Holy Doors is a must. It will be 25 years before you get another chance.

Rome is always busy in the summer, and during a Jubilee year, those crowds can swell even more. To handle the expanded tourist population, the entire country of Italy has been preparing for over a year. The Italian government allocated over €2 billion for infrastructure projects tied to the Jubilee. New pedestrian areas, enhanced public transportation, upgrades to sanitation and security, as well as expanded medical and tourist services have been implemented.

The Vatican and local dioceses throughout the country have organized a range of spiritual and cultural events to celebrate the Jubilee. Museums and churches will display sacred art, relics, and historical exhibits that reflect the Jubilee’s importance and feature pieces seen only during Jubilee years.  The Vatican Museums and various Roman institutions have planned major exhibits that showcase items of historical, cultural and religious significance.

Milan Cathedral
photo credit: Caleb Stokes

If your travels take you to Italy this year but you cannot make it to Rome, or you simply prefer to avoid it, special Jubilee events will be taking place in just about every other Italian town and city, as well. While the Jubilee is considered to be mostly a Roman event, Italy is an overwhelmingly Catholic country, and Jubilee years are celebrated all over. Florence, Milan, Venice, and especially Assisi are hosting Jubilee events. These cities will likely not be as affected from a larger-than-usual tourist influx as Rome will be, but there will be expanded religious and cultural experiences available for visitors.

Regardless of faith, visitors to Italy will be able to partake of a unique spiritual and cultural event this summer. For Catholics, the 2025 Holy Year offers a powerful opportunity for inner transformation. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike, the opportunities for cultural enrichment abound. Whether one visits to walk through a Holy Door, attend a Mass at St. Peter’s, or simply to soak in the enhance atmosphere of history, art and architecture, the Catholic Jubilee of 2025 promises to be a memorable time for anyone visiting Italy this year.

Editor’s note: This issue went to press before the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, 2025. Requiem aeternam ei dona et lux perpetua luceat ei.