The 2025 Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, invites Catholics around the world to embark on a journey of profound spiritual renewal. Rooted in the theme of hope, this Holy Year calls the faithful to deepen their relationship with God.
Below are twenty-five things to know about the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
1. Biblical and Historical Origins of Jubilee Years
The Jubilee Year has its origins in the Old Testament (see Leviticus 25), where every fiftieth year was a time of forgiveness and renewal for the Israelites. The Catholic Church adapted this tradition, with Pope Boniface VIII instituting the first Christian Jubilee in 1300. Originally celebrated every hundred years, the frequency was later adjusted to every twenty-five years.
2. A Year of Hope
The central theme of the 2025 Jubilee is hope, inspired by Romans 5:5: "Hope does not disappoint." Pope Francis reminds us that this hope is rooted in God’s eternal love, making it a time for all Christians to renew their trust in God’s promises.
3. A New Beginning
The Jubilee Year marks a new beginning for the Church. It is a time to rekindle devotion, reflect on one’s faith journey, and embrace the mission of spreading hope to others.
4. The Two-Thousandth Anniversary of Christ’s Redemption
The 2025 Jubilee is part of a larger preparation for the 2033 commemoration of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
5. The Opening of the Holy Door
The Jubilee Year officially began on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. This door symbolizes Christ as the gate to salvation and offers pilgrims the chance to receive the graces of the Jubilee.
6. Pilgrimages
Pilgrimage is at the heart of the Jubilee. Catholics from around the world are invited to journey to Rome and other holy sites. Pilgrims who enter through the Holy Doors will receive graces from the Jubilee.
7. Indulgences
A key feature of the Jubilee is the granting of indulgences. By fulfilling spiritual conditions—such as pilgrimage, prayer, and penance—Catholics can receive remission for the temporal punishment for sins.
8. The Eucharist at the Heart of the Jubilee
The Eucharist is central to the Jubilee. Pope Francis encourages Catholics to approach the altar with renewed reverence, recognizing Jesus as the source of hope.
9. The Jubilee Prayer
A special Jubilee Prayer will unite the faithful in prayer during the Holy Year.
10. Celebrating the Family
Pope Francis emphasizes that families are a source of hope and invites them to rediscover the beauty of their vocation, with grandparents serving as bearers of wisdom and faith.
11. The Blessed Virgin Mary as a Sign of Hope
Mary will be a central figure during the Jubilee. Pope Francis invites the faithful to turn to Mary for intercession, as she embodies unwavering trust in God’s plan.
12. The Role of Youth
The youth have a vital role to play during the Jubilee celebrations. Pope Francis encourages the Church to support young people, empowering them to see the Church as a place of hope for their future.
13. A Call to Reconciliation
Reconciliation is a key theme of the Jubilee. Pope Francis urges the faithful to seek forgiveness, both through the Sacrament of Penance and through personal acts of reconciliation with others.
14. Commitment to Peace
The Jubilee calls for a renewed commitment to peace. Pope Francis encourages Catholics to advocate for diplomacy, reconciliation, and an end to violence, becoming agents of change in a divided world.
15. Hope for the Future
The Jubilee is an invitation to look forward with hope. Pope Francis reminds us that in Christ, hope is eternal. Even in times of difficulty, God’s love remains constant.
16. Catholic Art and Architecture
The 2025 Jubilee offers an opportunity to appreciate the rich Catholic art and architecture that have shaped the Church’s history. Pilgrims visiting Rome will experience the beauty of sacred spaces and artworks that reflect the glory of God.
17. A Global Celebration
The 2025 Jubilee is a global event. While the heart of the celebrations will be in Rome, Catholics worldwide will join in the festivities in their local communities, with bishops encouraging specific pilgrimage sites for those who cannot travel to Rome.
18. Pilgrimages on the Digital Continent
For those unable to travel to Rome, the Church will offer digital pilgrimages to allow Catholics to participate in the grace of the Jubilee Year by viewing key sites and participating in virtual Masses, prayer services, and reflections.
19. The Jubilee Hymn: "Pilgrims of Hope"
A special Jubilee hymn, "Pilgrims of Hope," will be sung at liturgies and events throughout the year. This joyful anthem serves as a reminder of the hope that guides all pilgrims.
20. Jubilee Volunteers
Volunteers will play a critical role in the Jubilee celebrations. Those interested in serving can apply to assist in various capacities.
21. The Jubilee Logo
The official Jubilee Logo symbolizes unity and hope, featuring four figures embracing each other, with one holding a cross that doubles as an anchor.
22. Calendar of Major Events
The 2025 Jubilee will feature numerous major events throughout the year. Here are a few of the Jubilees the calendar includes:
- Jubilee of the World of Communications
- Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel
- Jubilee of Artists
- Jubilee of People with Disabilities
- Jubilee of Entrepreneurs
- Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly
- Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations, and New Communities
- Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers
- Jubilee of Consecrated Life
- Jubilee of Marian Spirituality
23. The Jubilee Churches
There are several Jubilee Churches in Rome that will serve as special gathering points for pilgrims.
24. Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized as Saints during the Jubilee Year. Acutis, known for his love of the Eucharist and his digital evangelism, will be canonized on April 27, 2025, during the Jubilee for Adolescents (April 25-27) in Rome. Frassati, celebrated for his devotion to the poor and joyful faith, will be canonized during the Jubilee of Young People (July 28–August 3).
25. Jubilee Pilgrims
An estimated thirty-five million pilgrims are expected to gather in Rome for the 2025 Jubilee. If you are considering attending, be sure to book your accommodations early.
The 2025 Jubilee Year is an invitation for the Church to deepen her hope. As Pope Francis has said, “We must fan the flame of hope,” and this Holy Year offers an unparalleled opportunity to do so. Visit the official Vatican Jubilee page for more information. Let’s embark on this beautiful journey together as Pilgrims of Hope!
Rose Coleman is an elementary school teacher with a heart for pilgrimage. She traveled the globe on a ship during college and spent some years in the convent as a religious sister. She was a contributing author to All She Had, Blessed Conversations: Rooted, and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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