For some people, the Jubilee Year taking place in 2025 is a good reason not to visit Italy this year. For others, the once-in-a-quarter-century event represents an opportunity to take part in a cultural and spiritual pilgrimage alongside thousands of like-minded visitors, as well as witness the Italian capital and its artefacts sparkling after a series of renovations.
The history of Jubilee Years
Occurring every 25 years, a Jubilee is a holy year of special grace in the Roman Catholic calendar. In fact, it lasts more than a year, having started over Christmas 2024 and continuing until Epiphany, or 6 January, 2026. During that time, people ask for a “plenary indulgence”, or forgiveness, for their own sins and those of their family.
It all stems from a Jewish tradition that took place every 50 years, letting the land lie fallow and freeing slaves once every 50 years. A “jobel” or ram’s horn was blown to signal the start of the year – whence the term “Jubilee” comes.
Catholics began their own in 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII said a Jubilee should happen every century. That interval was later shortened to the supposed length of Jesus’ time on Earth, every 33 years and, eventually, every 25 years, to give more people the chance to take part during their lifetime. In reality, Popes can declare a Jubilee when they wish, and the last one happened in 2015.
The Holy Doors kick things off
The year starts with the “Holy Doors” opening at the four major basilicas in Rome. This has already happened. St. Peter’s doors opened first, on Christmas Eve. Exceptionally, this year, on 26 December, the Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison was opened second, followed by St. John Lateran’s, St. Maria Maggiore and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Other Holy Doors exist around the world, for example in northern Spain’s famous pilgrimage destination, Santiago de Compostela.
For Catholics, the doors, which are customarily sealed and were once smashed open with a gavel, represent the pathway from sin to salvation.
A whole calendar of events
As well as the Holy Doors, a series of events aimed at different sections of society take place across the year, dedicated on this occasion, according to the Papal Bull or decree issued on the subject in 2024, to peace.
The penultimate weekend in January sees the world of communications and media invited to meet the Pope and join discussions about how the media can inspire hope, peace and democracy.
February will see the armed forces, police and security personnel invited to confession and mass, followed by artists and cultural workers. And so the year continues, with almost everyone, from volunteers to teenagers, migrants, educators, sportspeople, entrepreneurs, and the poor, all targeted with similar religious rites.
What else is on offer?
A 25km trail around the city and its four main basilicas can be completed, and other itineraries have been created too.
Culture is also part of the Jubilee. Unfortunately, some of the most impressive cultural events are now over, for example, a 2024 showing of Salvador Dali’s stunning “Christ of St John of the Cross (1951) alongside the original 16th-century sketch that inspired it.
But, at the time of writing, it’s still possible to catch “Chagall in Rome”, a completely free exhibition of Marc Chagall’s masterpiece, The White Crucifixion, on loan from the Art Institute of Chicago and displayed at Palazzo Cipolla, in Rome’s via del Corso 320, until 27 January 2025. Open every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Other advice and guidance
Anyone visiting Italy, and especially Rome, during a Jubilee Year should book accommodation and tours well ahead and be mindful of the significance of the year to many people. In a country that has been dogged by poor tourist behaviour in recent times, disrespect is likely to be given very short shrift.
A special information point has been created near St Peter’s and 12 other churches will also serve as gathering and guidance points.
Those wishing to attend special masses and events should ensure they book or register well ahead. Others may wish to deliberately avoid the Vatican or St Peter’s, for example, at busy times. Visiting crowded spots early in the morning to beat queues can be a trick that is worth noting, even when there’s no Jubilee on. Similarly, finding accommodation a bit further from typical tourist trails or religious sites is a good idea, both for your wallet and your sanity.
