The next Jubilee (Giubileo) will take place in the year 2025. The events, and there will be many, will kick off with the opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. During the Holy Year, Catholics can have their sins, as well as those of family members who have passed away, forgiven. Rome’s pilgrimage sites will be even more crowded than usual, especially when there are special events.
Jubilee 2025, Holy Year in the Vatican in Rome
History and description
The very first Jubilee Year in Rome took place in the year 1300. It was proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII. The intention was that pilgrims who came to Rome during that year and followed a special religious regime would avoid Purgatory.
It was originally intended to be repeated every 100 years, but as early as 1342 Pope Clement VI decided that it would be every 50 years, and in 1470 Pope Paul II cut this frequency in half to once every 25 years.
During a Holy Year, the Holy Doors of the four Patriarchal Basilicas (St. Peter, St. John of Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore and St. Paul outside the Walls) are opened.
Pope Francis had created a special Holy Year in 2015. It went into effect on Dec. 8 and lasted until Nov. 20, 2016. The theme of the special Giubileo was “Mercy “(Misericordia). If no further unexpected Giubileo takes place, people will have to wait until 2025 for the next event.
The December 8 date was chosen because it is the 50th anniversary of the 2nd Vatican Council, while November 20 is the Solemnity of Christ the King.