With the Rome Jubilee 2025 set to begin on Christmas Eve this year, the Eternal City is preparing to welcome approximately 32 million pilgrims from around the world, according to the Associated Press. This extraordinary event, also known as the Holy Year, represents not only a profound spiritual occasion for Catholic faithful but also a logistical and organizational challenge for Rome.
The Jubilee: A Time of Spirituality and History
The Jubilee, held every 25 years, is an event of great significance for the Catholic Church and its followers. During this year, pilgrims have the opportunity to receive plenary indulgences, participate in solemn ceremonies, and visit the city’s main holy sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. However, the Jubilee is not solely a religious occasion. For many, it is a unique opportunity to experience a historical and cultural moment in the heart of Christianity.
This year, the Jubilee takes place under the pontificate of Pope Francis, who has already expressed his desire for the event to be not only a celebration of faith but also a moment for reflection on themes such as solidarity, the environment, and world peace. With a more inclusive and contemporary approach, the Pope has emphasized the importance of welcoming all participants, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds.
City Preparations: Renovations and Logistics
To ensure a proper welcome for millions of visitors, Rome has launched an extensive plan for urban infrastructure renovations and upgrades. Bridges, roads, and railway stations have undergone extraordinary maintenance, while new pedestrian paths and bike lanes have been designed to improve mobility. Key projects include the restoration of Ponte Sant’Angelo, which connects Castel Sant’Angelo to St. Peter’s Basilica, and the enhancement of connections between major religious landmarks.
Subway stations, often criticized for their deteriorated state, have also been refurbished to accommodate the influx of tourists. Additionally, the city has implemented a security plan involving thousands of officers, emergency response units, and medical assistance posts along the pilgrims’ routes.
Merchants: Between Hopes and Uncertainties
Around the Vatican, shops selling religious articles and souvenirs are preparing for the major event by stocking shelves with rosaries, crucifixes, holy medals, and Vatican-themed items. However, not all merchants are optimistic. Francesca M., owner of a store near St. Peter’s Square, voices her concerns: “We hope to sell everything, but honestly, it’s a gamble. We can’t know for sure how many pilgrims will actually come.”
The situation is different for street vendors, who face logistical uncertainties regarding the possible removal or relocation of their stalls. A vendor coordinator states, “We don’t even know if our kiosks will remain here. For now, we’re not making large stocks or preparations.”
Religious Tourism: Opportunities for Guides
Licensed tour guides in Rome are adapting their services to meet the needs of pilgrims, creating customized itineraries focused on sacred sites and Jubilee-related events. Gianni F., an experienced guide, explains: “There are days we call ‘red days,’ when we expect the arrival of 100,000 pilgrims. For us, it will be a very demanding year, with many tours already booked.”
The City and Its Citizens: A Shared Challenge
As Rome prepares to host the pilgrims, residents experience a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension. On the one hand, the Jubilee represents an opportunity to boost tourism and the economy; on the other, concerns arise regarding traffic, congestion, and the management of public services. Authorities have launched informational campaigns to engage Romans and raise awareness about the importance of the event.
Schools and local associations have also been invited to participate in educational and welcoming initiatives, emphasizing the importance of presenting Rome as an inclusive and hospitable city.
A Look Toward the Future
The Jubilee of 2025 will not only be a moment of spirituality but also an opportunity to reflect on Rome’s role as a global city capable of uniting history, faith, and innovation. The Holy Year will officially open on December 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM, with the Rite of the Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter, followed by the Holy Father presiding over the Midnight Mass inside the Basilica. The event will be broadcast via giant screens installed in St. Peter’s Square. With preparations underway and the hopes of millions of people, the Holy Year promises to be a unique event, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s history and in the hearts of those who participate.
It can thus be said that everything seems nearly ready to kick off the grand event. With a blend of tradition and innovation, the Jubilee of 2025 promises to be an event that will leave a lasting legacy in the city’s history and the memories of millions of pilgrims. For Rome, it is an opportunity to showcase not only its extraordinary beauty but also its capacity to welcome and inspire.
Information
Learn more about the Rome Jubilee 2025 and see the calendar of events here.
