2025 Jubilee: A Yearlong Celebration of Grace in Rome

Opening of the Holy Door

The Jubilee will commence on December 24, 2024, with the ceremonial opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. This symbolic act, performed by the Pope, marks the official launch of the Jubilee and signifies an invitation to reconciliation and spiritual renewal. Subsequently, the Holy Doors at other major basilicas in Rome, including St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, will also be opened.

Explore the ceremony and significance of the Opening of the Holy Doors.

Jubilee Events for Various Communities

The 2025 Jubilee will present a sequence of events tailored to specific groups of believers, such as youth, workers, entrepreneurs, and individuals with disabilities. Each month, sector-specific jubilees will celebrate various groups. Notable events include:

• January 24-26, 2025: Jubilee of the World of Communication, a gathering for journalists, media professionals, and information operators.

• February 8-9, 2025: Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Security, to honor their service to society.

• April 5-6, 2025: Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Health, a chance to pray for and support healthcare professionals and those who are suffering.

Pilgrimages and Holy Doors

Embarking on a pilgrimage to Rome during the Jubilee is among the most profound expressions of faith a Christian might undertake. Passing through a Holy Door symbolizes the path toward redemption and reconciliation. Those who pass through the Holy Doors can attain the Plenary Indulgence, an important spiritual grace that offers full remission of the temporal punishments due to sins. The four papal basilicas — St. Peter, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls — are the exclusive locations for pilgrims to perform this deeply symbolic act of faith.

Special Jubilee Liturgies

The 2025 Jubilee will be enhanced with numerous special celebrations and worship services, presided over by the Pope. These liturgical events are key highlights of the Jubilee, set to occur in the Roman basilicas. Among the most awaited dates are:

• June 7-8, 2025: Jubilee of Movements, Associations, and New Communities, featuring participants of various faith groups from around the world.

• June 25, 2025: Jubilee of the Bishops, a dedicated time for prayer and reflection meant for the shepherds of the Church.

• May 30 - June 1, 2025: Jubilee of Families, an event emphasizing the pivotal role of the family in society and the Church.

To learn more about the Special Jubilee Liturgies, visit our article dedicated to this topic.

Events for Youth

Another significant moment of the Jubilee will be the Youth Jubilee, scheduled from July 28 to August 3, 2025. This international event will gather young individuals from around the globe for moments of prayer, reflection, and celebration. The Youth Jubilee offers a unique opportunity for the new generations to meet, share their faith, and participate in one of the year's major religious events.

The Stations of the Cross Ceremony at the Colosseum

One of the most evocative liturgical events of the Jubilee will be the Stations of the Cross Ceremony at the Colosseum, taking place during Holy Week, traditionally presided over by the Pope. This solemn celebration, retracing the Passion of Christ, is a time of profound meditation and prayer. The Colosseum, steeped in historical symbolism, becomes the ideal backdrop to commemorate Christ's sacrifice, providing pilgrims with an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Conclusion

The 2025 Jubilee will be a year filled with events and celebrations, offering pilgrims the opportunity to renew their faith through pilgrimages to Rome and participation in the jubilee events. From the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica to the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, each moment will carry deep spiritual significance and serve as an occasion for believers worldwide to meet and celebrate their faith together.

For more information on how to plan your pilgrimage, please consult the sections on Jubilee Pilgrimage Planning and Main Pilgrimage Routes.