What Is a Jubilee?

First initiated by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300, the Jubilee is a special year in the life of the Catholic Church, also known as a Holy Year. It draws inspiration from Leviticus (25:10):" You shall treat this 50 year as sacred. You shall proclaim liberty in the land for all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you." Since then, the church has traditionally celebrated a Jubilee initially every 100 years, then every 50 years, and now every 25 years.

As described on the website launched by the Vatican for Jubilee 2025, "it is a time in which God's holiness transforms us." This year's Jubilee formally begins on December 24 with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica.

Until its conclusion on January 6, 2026, Catholics from around the world are invited to make a pilgrimage to Rome and pass through one of the Holy Doors located in the four major basilicas. By fulfilling specific conditions—receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the intentions of the pope—pilgrims can obtain a plenary indulgence, which signifies the restoration of the disorder caused by sin.

What makes the 2025 Jubilee special?

The theme of this Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope,” as announced in the proclamation bull issued by Pope Francis last May. It coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which affirmed the "consubstantiality" of Jesus Christ with the Father and led to the Creed professed by the Church to this day. 

As in previous Jubilees, several thematic pilgrimages will be organized to mark the occasion.

How to prepare a Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome?

With an expected influx of 32 million pilgrims, it’s advisable to plan your trip as early as possible, especially since travel and accommodation costs are likely to skyrocket.

"I strongly recommend joining an organized pilgrimage group, whether through a diocese, parish, or movement," advised Father Sébastien Antoni, a journalist who helped develop a guide for Jubilee pilgrims. Father Antoni noted that "it's easier to embrace the pilgrimage experience by benefiting from the organization and spiritual guidance offered by a group."

Young people, in particular, are encouraged to participate in the Jubilee from July 28 to August 3, with an estimated turnout of 1.5 million—on par with World Youth Day events.

For those unable to travel to Rome, there are alternative ways to obtain the plenary indulgence associated with the Holy Year. Dioceses worldwide are encouraged to open one or more Holy Doors, and cloistered or ill individuals can still participate by fulfilling the other spiritual conditions required to receive the indulgence.