Key Dates and Events of the 2025 Jubilee

Opening of the Holy Door and Beginning of the Jubilee

December 24, 2024, will mark the official commencement of the 2025 Jubilee with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Presided over by the Pope, this solemn rite symbolically heralds a year of forgiveness and mercy. Passing through the Holy Door is a deeply devout act that allows the faithful to receive the Plenary Indulgence, a cornerstone of the Jubilee.

On December 29, 2024, the Holy Door will also be opened at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome's cathedral, coinciding with the 1700th anniversary of its dedication. This event will be followed by the opening of Holy Doors at the other two major basilicas: St. Mary Major on January 1, 2025, during the Solemnity of Mary, Most Holy Mother of God, and St. Paul Outside the Walls on January 5, 2025.

For an in-depth understanding of the Holy Door and its opening rite, please refer to our dedicated article.

Liturgy Celebrations and Major Events

Throughout the Holy Year, Rome will host significant liturgical celebrations and special events, many under the papal leadership. The New Year's Mass on January 1, 2025, in St. Peter's Basilica will officially inaugurate the jubilee celebrations. This Mass serves as a moment for reflection and prayer, setting the tone for a year marked by peace and hope.

Another pivotal event is Ash Wednesday on March 5, 2025, inaugurating Lent, a time of penance, reflection, and spiritual renewal that prepares the faithful for Easter.

Holy Week, running from April 13 to 20, 2025, will be a focal point of the Jubilee. The Easter celebrations, specifically the Mass of Holy Thursday and the Way of the Cross on Good Friday at the Colosseum, offer unique opportunities to deeply engage with the mysteries of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

For further details on special liturgical events during the Jubilee, please consult our guide.

Pilgrimages and Events for the Youth

The Jubilee is also a time for pilgrimage, with thousands of faithful journeying to Rome to visit the four principal basilicas and partake in Jubilee events. Beyond religious ceremonies, 2025 will host a variety of cultural and spiritual initiatives, including those tailored for young people. Scheduled for the latter half of 2025, the Youth Jubilee will provide a unique occasion for young Catholics globally to converge in Rome to celebrate their faith and engage in meetings, prayers, and educational pursuits.

Closing of the Jubilee

The Jubilee for 2025 will conclude on January 6, 2026, with the solemn ceremony of sealing the Holy Door (Porta Santa) at St. Peter's Basilica during the Epiphany celebration. This marks the termination of the Holy Year, symbolically ending the period of grace and mercy. The closure of the remaining Holy Doors in the major basilicas will occur on December 28, 2025, offering pilgrims one last sacred chance to enter and receive the indulgence (a grace bestowed by the Church to reduce the temporal punishment for sins).

Discover everything about the closing ceremony of the Jubilee, checking out our dedicated guide

Cultural Events and Special Initiatives

In addition to religious events, the Jubilee of 2025 will be enhanced by an assortment of cultural activities, exhibitions, and special initiatives staged in Rome. These events will provide pilgrims and tourists the opportunity to delve into the extensive history and cultural heritage of the Catholic Church. Exhibitions in the Vatican Museums, concerts, and conferences are scheduled throughout the year, rendering the Jubilee a comprehensive spiritual and cultural experience.

To learn more about cultural events in Rome during the Jubilee, please visit our dedicated section.

Conclusion

The Jubilee of 2025 promises a year replete with significant events and singular spiritual opportunities. From the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica to its solemn closure, this Holy Year will afford believers worldwide the chance to renew their faith and take part in highly significant celebrations. If you are planning a pilgrimage to Rome, be sure to note the important dates and events to fully immerse yourself in the Jubilee experience.

For further information on how to prepare for the Jubilee and organize your journey, refer to our guide on planning a pilgrimage to Rome.