The 2025 Jubilee in Rome: The Complete Pilgrim Guide

“The time has come for a new Jubilee in Rome, when once more the Holy Door will be flung open to invite everyone to an intense experience of the love of God that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ.” With these words, Pope Francis formally proclaimed the great Jubilee of 2025. Drawing on his two-decade career leading and organizing pilgrimages and thirteen years living in Italy, veteran pilgrim guide Bret Thoman has created a guidebook that contains everything a pilgrim needs to know for the great Jubilee.

Jubilees date to 1300 A.D., when Pope Boniface VIII called for the first Holy Year, granting a plenary indulgence to all pilgrims who visited the major basilicas of Rome. Today, Jubilees take place every 25 years. They are a special opportunity for the faithful to cross the Holy Door, seeking grace, holiness, and forgiveness of sins.

The first part of this guidebook consists of the 2025 Jubilee documents, followed by a detailed history and background on pilgrimage, Jubilee, and the Holy Doors. Part Two is all about Rome, including information on obtaining entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums, Scavi tours, Papal Audiences, and other sites and events. Next is a history of Rome and a thorough overview of the Eternal City’s most important pilgrimage sites: the Major Basilicas (St. John Lateran, St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s, and St. Mary’s), the Minor Basilicas (St. Lawrence, Holy Cross, and St. Sebastian), the Catacombs, and Vatican City. Numerous other pilgrimage churches and sites are included, as well as the most important secular attractions. The book concludes with practical information such as getting around in Rome, important websites, and tips on traveling in Rome and Italy.

The Jubilee 2025 is expected to be a massive event—one that will host millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Given the crowds, advance preparation and organization will be crucial to ensuring a positive pilgrimage experience. This pilgrim guide has been prepared to provide all the information necessary to make the pilgrimage easier.

May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
(from the Jubilee Prayer 2025)