The 2025 Rome Jubilee: Everything Travelers Need to Know

2025 is going to be a special time to travel to Italy as it's the Rome Jubilee.

With events and celebrations during the entire year, there's so much to see and do whether you're of the Catholic faith or not.

In this guide, we will answer all of your questions about the Rome Jubilee - what it is, when it takes place, the calendar of events, and how busy Rome (and all of Italy) might be as a response.

What is the Rome Jubilee?

The Rome Jubilee is a Holy Year in the eyes of the Catholic Church.

A Holy Year is a special year that is about forgiveness of sin and debt. It's also a universal pardon. Jubilees only happen every so often, so there's a ton of preparation that's done, planning, and incredible events.

During the Jubilee, there is a robust calendar with events sprinkled throughout and Catholics travel from all over the world to attend. Known as pilgrims, these travelers go to Rome seeking "plenary indulgence". Plenary indulgence is the remission of their sins.

One of the standout parts of the Jubilee is the opening of the Holy Doors in Rome. In one of the city's four major basilicas, Holy Doors are opened to allow Catholics to pass through on their pilgrimage. It can be a once in a lifetime experience for them.

A year filled with prayer, reflection, celebration, and pilgrimage, the Jubilee (or Giubileo in Italian) is an important one to Catholics across the globe.

Jubilees typically have themes. 2025's is Pilgrims of Hope.

When is the 2025 Rome Jubilee?

The event kicked off on Christmas Eve of 2024. It was commenced by Pope Francis when he opened the revered Holy Doors of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

The Holy Year will end on Christmas Eve of 2025 when the Holy Doors are closed.

How often is the Rome Jubilee?

Typically the Jubilee is celebrated every 25 or 50 years - 50 years being the more historical timeline.

However, it's also possible for a pope to enact a Jubilee on command as part of a special occasion. When this happens, the entire event is referred to as an "Extraordinary Jubilee." The last Extraordinary Jubilee was enacted by Pope Francis in 2015-2016.

When Jubilees fall on the regular programmed schedule (every 25 or 50 years), they're considered "ordinary" jubilees, but don't let that make you think they're any less notable.

When was the last Jubilee in Rome?

2016. The last Jubilee, an Extraordinary Jubilee, took place from December 8th, 2015 to November 20th, 2016. Pope Francis enacted this Extraordinary Jubilee under the theme of mercy.

Before that, the last Rome Jubilee was in 2000.

What happens during the Jubilee?

The Jubilee is a busy year for Rome, Italy, and the Catholic Church.

The event begins when the Pope opens the Holy Doors and ends when he closes them (approximately a year later).

Once the Holy Doors are open, there are scheduled events that take place throughout the year. In fact, the Church releases a calendar for the public to see and plan which events they'd like to attend. Some events are only able to be attended by specific groups of people.

Each event (which are called Jubilees) usually lasts one to a few days and has its own dedicated program and schedule.

They each celebrate a specific theme or group of people, for example, there are a few days to celebrate artists, Deacons, health care workers, and teenagers.

Events can also celebrate ideas or specific things, like sports, justice, or Eastern churches.

Will the Jubilee make Rome busier?

Yes, notably. According to several media sites, Italy expects 30-35 million travelers to visit Rome for the Jubilee.

Because of this expected influx, costs may go up to travel to Rome, including transportation, hotels, and more.

If you are planning to head to Italy in 2025, this is something to keep in mind - especially if Rome is on your list of destinations.

FAQs about the Rome Jubilee

What is the calendar of events for the 2025 Rome Jubilee?

December 24, 2025 - January 5, 2026: The Opening of the Holy Doors at St. Peter's Basilica, Rebibbia Prison, St. John Lateran's, St Mary Major's, and St. Paul's outside the Walls.

January 24-26, 2025 - Jubilee of the World of Communications.

February 8-9, 2025 - Jubilee of Armed Forces, Police, and Security Professional.

February 15-18, 2025 - Jubilee of Artists and World Culture.

February 21 -23, 2025 - Jubilee of Deacons.

March 8-9, 2025 - Jubilee of the World of Volunteering.

March 28, 2025 - 24 Hours for the Lord.

• All are invited to take part in this event in their own parishes and Jubilee churches, or in Rome at the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle at 4:00 pm.

March 28-30, 2025 - Jubilee of Priests Instituted as "Missionaries of Mercy".

• This event includes an opening prayer, training sessions, a pilgrimage to the Holy Doors, the Holy Rosary, Holy Mass at the Basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle, and a symphonic concert in the Basilica of Saints Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso.

April 5-6, 2025 - Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers.

• Doctors, Healthcare workers, Nurses, and their families are invited to this event.
• Activities include pilgrimage to the Holy Door, optional confession, activities around the city (cultural, artistic, and spiritual), and Holy Mass at St. Peter's Square.

April 25-27, 2025 - Jubilee of Teenagers.

• Teenagers are invited to attend this event, though there is a registration fee and required materials list.
• This event includes a pilgrimage, an option to receive the Sacrament, prayer, entertainment (such as concerts), a musical celebration, and Holy Mass.

April 27, 2025 - Mass for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

April 28-29, 2025 - Jubilee of People with Disabilities.

• All individuals with disabilities, and those accompanying them, are invited to this event. Make sure to sign up by February 23rd.
• Events include a pilgrimage, optional confession, Holy Mass, meeting with the Holy Father, welcome lunch in the Gardens of the City including a celebration event.

May 1-4, 2025 - Jubilee of Workers.

• Workers in various trade associations and unions are invited.
• Events include Pilgrimage and optional confession, a May Day concert, artistic, cultural, and spiritual events around the city, and Holy Mass.

May 4-5, 2025 - Jubilee of Entrepreneurs.

• Events include Holy Mass, Pilgrimage, and the Holy Father's catechesis.

May 10-11, 2025 - Jubilee of Bands and Popular Entertainment.

• Some musicians and bands can attend with their families.
• The program includes Holy Mass, Pilgrimage, and band concerts.
• Make sure you register by April 13, 2025.

May 12-14, 2025 - Jubilee of Eastern Churches.

• Faithful representatives of Eastern Catholic churches can attend.
• There is a robust program with Divine Liturgies, choirs, an audience with the Holy Father, Vespers, Akathistos, and more.

May 16-18, 2025 - Jubille of Confraternities.

• All members of religious confraternities are invited to attend.
• The program contains Pilgrimage, a street procession, and Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father.

May 30 - June 1, 2025 - Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly.

• The registration deadline is March 30th.
• Program events include Pilgrimage, a catechesis on the value of old age, entertainment, prayer vigils and family celebrations, Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father and more.

June 7-8, 2025 - Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities.

• Register by April 6, 2025.
• Program includes Pilgrimage, Pre-vigil, Pentecost Vigil, and Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father.

June 9, 2025 - Jubilee of the Holy See.

• Includes an opportunity for confession, meditation in the presence of the Holy Father, procession through the holy door, and Holy Mass.

June 14-15, 2025 - Jubilee of Sport.

• Anyone involved in the world of athletes.
• Make sure you register by April 20, 2025.
• The program includes Pilgrimage, optional confession, a Sports Village, a Pilgrimage of Hope, and Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father.

June 20-22, 2025 - Jubilee of Governments.

June 23-24, 2025 - Jubilee of Seminarians.

• Register by April 20th. There is a 20 euro solidarity fee.
• The program includes a welcome meeting with the First Vespers, a Catechesis with the Holy Father, Pilgrimage, Celebration of friendship and shared experiences, and more.

June 25, 2025 - Jubilee of Bishops.

June 25-27, 2025 - Jubilee of Priests.

• Make sure you register by April 20th. There is a solidarity fee of 50 euros.
• The program includes a welcome from the Priests of Rome, Pilgrimage to the Holy Door, Vocations Vigil, Holy Mass, and more.

July 28 - August 3, 2025 - Jubilee of Youth.

• There is a registration fee and materials list for this Jubilee.
• Program events include a welcome mass, cultural, spiritual, and artistic activities, a penitential day, an option to receive the Sacrament, entertainment, music, and testimonies, Vigil with the Holy Father and Holy Mass with the Holy Father.

July 28-29, 2025 - Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers.

• You must register at digitalismissio.org.

September 15, 2025 - Jubilee of Consolation.

• Anyone experiencing a time of pain or affliction is invited, including those suffering from grief, illness, bereavement, violence, abuse, and more. Their friends and family members are also invited.
• Make sure you sign up by July 13th.
• The program includes Pilgrimage, an opportunity for confessions, and a Prayer Vigil with the Holy Father.

September 20, 2025 - Jubilee of Justice.

• Those in the law sector, whether it's for government or the Church, are invited to attend with their friends and family members.
• You must register by July 20th.
• The program includes Pilgrimage to the Holy Door and a catechesis with the Holy Father.

October 4-5, 2025 - Jubilee of the Missions.

• Missionaries are invited to attend and must register by August 3rd.
• The program includes meeting with the Pope, Pilgrimage, events at the Piazza di Spagna, Holy Mass, and an International Missionary Meeting.

October 4-5, 2025 - Jubilee of Immigrants.

• You must register by August 3rd.
• Events include Pilgrimage, meeting with the Pope, Holy Mass, and other celebratory events in the Gardens of the City.

October 8-9, 2025 - Jubilee of Consecrated Life.

• Registration must happen by August 3rd.
• The program includes Pilgrimage, confession, events in piazzas, prayer Vigils, and a Holy Mass presided over by the Pope.

October 10-11, 2025 - Jubilee of Marian Spirituality.

• The deadline to register is August 10th.
• The event includes a pilgrimage, prayer Vigil, and confession.

October 27 - November 2, 2025 - Jubilee of the World of Education.

November 16, 2025 - Jubilee of the Poor.

November 22 -23, 2025 - Jubilee of Choirs.

• The registration deadline is September 21st.
• Events include a Pilgrimage, choirs, Mass, final concerts, as well as Holy Mass presided over by the Pope.

December 14, 2025 - Jubilee of Prisoners.

• You must register by October 12th.
• The program includes Pilgrimage, confession, and Holy Mass presided over by the Holy Father.

More details about each event can be found here on the official site.