The Catholic Church is preparing for the 2025 Jubilee, a Holy Year dedicated to spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and the remission of sins. During this sacred year, the Pope invites believers to deepen their faith through prayer, penance, and acts of mercy. It offers a unique opportunity to receive plenary indulgence. Central to this experience is the tradition of crossing the Holy Door, which symbolizes the passage from sin to grace.
What is the Jubilee?
The Jubilee, rooted in biblical tradition, serves as a time of renewal and unity for Catholics. It traces back to Jewish custom, where leaders proclaimed a Jubilee every 50 years as a time of rest, liberation, and restoration. The term “Jubilee” comes from the Hebrew word yobel, meaning a ram’s horn, which announced this sacred period.
In 1300, Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Catholic Jubilee, drawing pilgrims from across Europe to Rome. Over the centuries, this Holy Year has evolved into a cherished tradition. The Pope marks it by opening the Holy Door and granting plenary indulgence to the faithful who complete specific spiritual practices.

Ordinary vs. Extraordinary Jubilees
The interval between Jubilees has varied throughout history but was officially set at 25 years in 1470 by Pope Paul II. “Ordinary” Jubilees occur every 25 years. While “extraordinary” Jubilees, such as the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015-2016, are proclaimed outside this regular schedule to address specific themes. The 2025 Jubilee will be an “ordinary” Jubilee, but it promises to be an extraordinary year for the faithful and for the city of Rome.
The Holy Door: A Gateway to Grace
The Holy Door is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Jubilee. Located in Rome’s four major papal basilicas—St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls—these doors open only during a Jubilee. Passing through them represents a spiritual journey from sin to salvation, inspired by Jesus’ words, “I am the gate” (John 10:7).
The ritual of the Holy Door carries a rich history. In earlier centuries, masons sealed the doors with bricks, and the Pope reopened them by striking them with a hammer. Since 2000, the Church has simplified the ritual. Workers now remove the wall beforehand, and the Pope uses a key to open the doors, inviting pilgrims to step into a year of grace. Beyond Rome, the Pope grants Holy Doors to churches worldwide, allowing believers unable to travel to still participate in this sacred tradition.

The 2025 Jubilee: What to Expect
The 2025 Jubilee will officially begin on December 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., with the Opening of the Holy Door at the Papal Basilica of St. Peter. This sacred rite, led by the Holy Father, marks the start of a year dedicated to faith, renewal, and reconciliation. Following the ceremony, Pope Francis will preside over the Holy Mass for the Nativity of the Lord inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square can follow the event on giant screens, ensuring everyone can participate in this historic moment. Tickets are not required to attend; all that is needed is registration via the official Jubilee portal: register.iubilaeum2025.va
For updates and a full schedule of events, visit the official Jubilee website at: iubilaeum2025.va.
A Journey of Faith for Pilgrims
For millions of pilgrims, the 2025 Jubilee offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with their faith. By crossing the Holy Door, receiving the sacraments, and performing works of piety or mercy, participants can embrace the graces of this Holy Year. Whether in Rome or in their local churches, believers can partake in this sacred journey of reflection, renewal, and unity, guided by the Holy Spirit.
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