Rome is almost ready for the Jubilee!

antonio

17 October 2024

No Comments

Discover the program and how the city is getting ready for this historic event

2025 will be a very busy year for the capital as it hosts a significant religious event for millions of people worldwide.

The theme of the Jubilee 2025 is hope, and the motto chosen for the event is Pilgrims of Hope. It is estimated that 35 million pilgrims will visit Rome next year.

The Jubilee 2025 will start on December 24, 2024, at 4:30 PM, with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. The solemn opening ceremony will be presided over by Pope Francis.

The following Sunday, December 29, 2024, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. John Lateran. On January 1, 2025, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Mary Major will be opened. Finally, on Sunday, January 5, the Holy Door of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls will be opened.

At the end of the Jubilee, the doors will be sealed again. Pilgrims visiting Rome and passing through the Holy Door can receive a plenary indulgence from their sins. This experience of mercy involves spiritual acts indicated by the Pope.

The History of the Jubilee

The first Jubilee was instituted by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300, initially set every 100 years. In 1343, Pope Clement VI reduced the interval to 50 years, and in 1470, Pope Paul II set it to 25 years. Today, it is also known as the Holy Year, offering participants a plenary indulgence—remission of sins for oneself or deceased relatives

Revamping the City

The pedestrianization of Piazza Pia is the most significant project planned for Jubilee 2025. Located between Castel Sant’Angelo and Via della Conciliazione, this new large pedestrian square will connect Castel Sant’Angelo with St. Peter’s Basilica, providing a safer area for pedestrians and easing traffic with a new underpass linking Lungotevere in Sassia.

Another major renovation will take place at Piazza Risorgimento in the Prati district, focusing on increasing pedestrian space and highlighting historical and cultural elements. There will also be a pedestrian path from the Ottaviano Metro station to St. Peter’s Square.

San Giovanni in Laterano will undergo a major renovation covering 18,000 square meters around the church. The paving will mimic the colorful marble mosaics inside the basilica, and new green areas and fountains will be installed. Additionally, iconic fountains such as the Trevi Fountain, the Quirinal Fountain, and others will undergo restoration.

Maintenance is also underway at Ponte Sant’Angelo, with work on Bernini’s angel statues along the bridge.

The A-line metro stations, including Spagna, Ottaviano, and Cipro, will be ready by the end of 2024. At Spagna, a vertical forest will be installed to improve air quality using tree species chosen for their anti-pollution properties.

The Pilgrim's Card and How to Get It

A free digital and nominal card, the Pilgrim’s Card is required for attending Jubilee events. It grants discounts on transportation, lodging, dining, and cultural activities.

The card can only be obtained by registering on the official website or app. Once registered, pilgrims receive a personal QR code and can manage their event bookings through the app.

Major Events of the Jubilee

The Jubilee of 2025 includes 26 major events, involving different professional and religious communities. These celebrations will provide moments of reflection, prayer, and promote spiritual and social values.

The list of events includes Jubilees for Communication, Armed Forces, Deacons, Volunteers, Health Workers, and many more.

For more details about the events and preparations for the Jubilee, visit the official Jubilee 2025 website.

In conclusion, the Jubilee 2025 promises to be an extraordinary event, drawing millions of pilgrims and visitors to Rome. The city’s preparations, from the renovation of historical landmarks to the enhancement of public spaces, reflect the anticipation for this spiritual and cultural celebration. Our hotels, located just a short distance from the heart of the Jubilee activities at the Vatican, offer the perfect accommodation for pilgrims and tourists who wish to be close to the key events. Staying with us ensures that you are not only near the Vatican but also well-positioned to fully experience the city’s historic and religious atmosphere.