Tradition and renewal
The rite of opening the Holy Door, a portal symbolizing the path to salvation and forgiveness, is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Jubilee. This door, which only opens during ordinary and some extraordinary Jubilees, will remain open until the end of the Holy Year, January 6, 2026. During this time, pilgrims who pass through it in faith will be able to receive plenary indulgences, a deeply rooted tradition in the Catholic Church.
However, in line with Pope Francis' pastoral style, the 2025 Jubilee will include innovative gestures that seek to bring the faith closer to all sectors of society. Among the first highlights, Francis will open four more Holy Doors in Rome's main basilicas: St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. John Lateran. In addition, in an unprecedented gesture, he will open a Holy Door in the Rebibbia prison, northeast of Rome. This act, loaded with symbolism, reflects his commitment to human dignity and his call for prison sentences to be a “path of hope” for inmates.
A message of inclusion
The Jubilee 2025 program is designed to involve diverse sectors of society, with events ranging from encounters with prisoners to meetings with journalists and artists. In the first weeks, the Pope will also issue a special message of peace addressed to the world, stressing the urgency of building bridges rather than walls in an increasingly polarized global context.
Among the events planned is a pilgrimage to Nicaea, Turkey, to commemorate the anniversary of the historic Council of Nicaea. Although the date has not yet been confirmed, the trip is scheduled for late March or mid-May. This will be, so far, the Pope's only international trip during the Holy Year, a decision that underscores his desire to center the Jubilee in Rome as the spiritual heart of the celebration.
Hope as the central theme
The motto “Pilgrims of Hope” is no coincidence. For Francis, hope is an indispensable theological virtue in a world plagued by challenges. In his words, “hope does not disappoint because it is the certainty that God's love sustains and guides us”. This message takes on special relevance in the current context, marked by climate crises, wars and social inequalities. Through the Jubilee, the Pope seeks to inspire the faithful to be agents of positive change, leading them to reflect on their role in building a more just and caring future.
The Vatican has also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusiveness in planning for the Jubilee. From the implementation of green measures for event management to the active participation of marginalized communities, the program reflects a conscious effort to make this celebration accessible and meaningful for all.
Global expectation
The global dimension of the Jubilee will be reinforced by the arrival of pilgrims from all over the world, who will come to Rome to participate in the ceremonies, prayers and special events. According to Italian authorities, extraordinary security and logistical measures have been implemented to handle the massive flow of visitors, ensuring an orderly and safe experience for all.
In addition, the opening of the Holy Door will be accompanied by a series of live broadcasts, allowing millions of people, including those unable to travel to Rome, to participate virtually in this spiritual experience. Technology, a tool that Pope Francis has promoted for evangelization, will play a key role in this Jubilee, making his message reach the most remote corners of the planet.
A legacy for the future
The Jubilee 2025 will not only be a time of celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis. As he nears the end of his pontificate, this Holy Year is shaping up to be a synthesis of his pastoral priorities: mercy, inclusion, social justice and hope.
With a focus on those most in need and on building a Church closer to the realities of the world, Francis is marking a path that will surely influence future generations. This Jubilee, therefore, looks not only to the past and the traditions that sustain it, but also to the future, as a beacon of light for a world in search of direction.
In conclusion, the Jubilee 2025 promises to be a historic event that will not only reaffirm the faith of millions of people, but will also be a powerful call to action and hope in a world in dire need of both. From Rome, the heart of Christianity, Pope Francis invites everyone to undertake this spiritual pilgrimage, recalling that true hope lies in the ability to walk together towards a better future.
The World Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations Network and the Jubilee Year 2025 - Tourism
The "Itinerant Congress", organized by the World Network of Religious and Spiritual Tourism Destinations, are projected as significant events for 2025 and 2026 in the framework of the Jubilee 2025, dedicated to tourism and evangelization. This Congress aims to promote religious and spiritual tourism as a tool for evangelization and peace building, addressing issues such as reconciliation, sustainable territorial development and strengthening cultural identity in various regions.
The Itinerant Congresses will visit several strategic cities in each country, whether in Spain (Camino Lebaniego - Cantabria) or in the case of Colombia, cities such as Bogotá, Ibagué, Buga, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Tuluá, Cartago and others, each contributing their unique cultural and religious characteristics. In this context, we seek to highlight the importance of religious tourism as an engine for economic and social development, as well as a means to strengthen the social fabric in communities with situations that limit their development. Topics such as the preservation of religious heritage, the promotion of sustainable tourism and evangelization through faith and culture will be explored.
Among the main objectives of the congresses are to foster interfaith dialogue, promote religious tourism as a tool for social cohesion and development, and promote reconciliation in territories. The initiative also aims to highlight the role of evangelization in building a peaceful society, using the Christian message of forgiveness and solidarity as transforming elements.
These events are presented as platforms to generate dialogue between religious leaders, local communities, tourism experts and government representatives, articulating efforts to ensure that religious tourism contributes to inclusive and sustainable development, preserving the cultural and spiritual richness of the territories. The congresses will also serve to reflect on how to integrate new technologies and innovative strategies to reach new generations and promote responsible and ethical tourism.
