Pilgrimages to Rome for the 2025 Jubilee

The 2025 Jubilee in Rome is an exceptional opportunity for believers from around the world to experience a unique spiritual pilgrimage. From visiting the four major basilicas to the paths dedicated to the holy martyrs, pilgrims are invited to renew their faith and discover the religious treasures of the Eternal City. Each journey, steeped in history and tradition, allows one to receive indulgences and participate in unforgettable spiritual events.
In this article, we will explore the different pilgrimages possible for the 2025 Jubilee, detailing the main religious itineraries and holy places to visit.

1. Pilgrimage of the four major basilicas of Rome

At the heart of any pilgrimage to Rome, the four major basilicas occupy an essential place. These churches are the most sacred places in Christianity and the most important to visit on a pilgrimage during the Jubilee.

Saint Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)

The Basilica of St. Peter, located in the Vatican, is the epicenter of the Jubilee. This church, the largest in the world, is considered the spiritual residence of the Pope and a central pilgrimage site for Catholics. During the Jubilee, many ceremonies are organized here, including papal masses, confessions, and processions.

One of the most important traditions is passing through the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, a special door that is only opened during Jubilee years. Passing through this door symbolizes entering a new life of faith and grace for believers.

Basilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)

The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope, and is often called the “mother of all churches.” It is one of the essential stops for pilgrimages during the Jubilee. One of the main traditions here is also to cross the Holy Door, which allows the faithful to receive an indulgence.

In addition to the Holy Door, pilgrims can visit the main altar, where only the Pope and his representatives can celebrate Mass, as well as the Holy Stairs, or Scala Santa, believed to have been climbed by Jesus during his trial in Jerusalem.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)

Located outside the walls of ancient Rome, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is another major holy site to visit during the Jubilee. It is where the body of St. Paul, one of the most influential apostles of the Christian Church, rests. Here too, the Holy Door is open to allow pilgrims to follow a spiritual path towards the renewal of their faith.

Pilgrims can pray before the tomb of St. Paul, admire the magnificent mosaics and portraits of all the Popes since St. Peter, and participate in Masses and prayers specific to the Jubilee.

Basilica of St. Mary Major (Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore)

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. It is famous for its superb mosaics and architecture. During the Jubilee, the Holy Door is also open here, allowing pilgrims to immerse themselves in the religious traditions of the Jubilee and receive spiritual graces.

In addition to the Holy Door, pilgrims can pray before the marble crib dating from the 13th century, and before the venerated icon of the Salus Populi Romani, a Marian image believed to protect the Roman people.

2. Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches of Rome: a traditional pilgrimage

In addition to the four major basilicas, another pilgrimage tradition during the Jubilee is the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches. This pilgrimage dates back to St. Philip Neri in the 16th century and involves visiting seven important churches in the city of Rome, each with a special significance for the faithful.

The seven churches of the pilgrimage are as follows:

• St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican
• St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica
• St. John Lateran Basilica
• St. Mary Major Basilica
• Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls
• Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem
• San Sebastiano fuori le mura (Basilica of St. Sebastian)

This route of over 20 km is a spiritual undertaking where pilgrims move from church to church to pray, meditate, and participate in religious ceremonies. This pilgrimage can be done in one day or over several days, and it is a profound way to experience the spiritual essence of Rome.

3. Pilgrimage of the path of the holy martyrs

Rome is known for being the resting place of many holy martyrs of Christianity. For the 2025 Jubilee, pilgrims have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these saints through several pilgrimage sites dedicated to their memory. Here are a few places to visit to honor the Christian martyrs:

The Catacombs of Rome

The Catacombs of Rome are underground cemeteries where many early Christians, including martyrs, were buried. The most famous are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, and the Catacombs of Priscilla. Pilgrims can visit these sites to pray and reflect on the sacrifice of the early Christians.

The Colosseum

While the Colosseum is generally known as a historical and tourist site, it also holds great spiritual importance for Catholics. It is here that many Christians were martyred during the persecutions of the Roman Empire. During the Jubilee, special celebrations are often held at the Colosseum, including the Way of the Cross on Good Friday, presided over by the Pope.

4. Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Divine Love

Another popular pilgrimage during the Jubilee is the one to the Shrine of Divine Love (Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore), located just outside the city of Rome. This shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is an important place of Marian devotion.

The pilgrimage to this shrine is often done on foot, at night, with groups of pilgrims leaving Rome in prayer. This shrine is particularly known for the miracles attributed to the Virgin and for the many graces obtained by pilgrims who come here. Special Masses and prayers will be organized there during the Jubilee.

5. Pilgrimage of the path of St. Francis of Assisi

For those who wish to extend their pilgrimage beyond Rome, an excellent option is to follow the path of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most revered saints of Italy. This pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of St. Francis through magnificent landscapes, medieval towns, and spiritual sanctuaries.

The path often begins in Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, where pilgrims can visit the Basilica of St. Francis, the saint's resting place. The pilgrimage then continues to La Verna, where St. Francis received the stigmata, and then to Greccio, where he created the first living nativity scene. This pilgrimage is a unique spiritual experience that combines nature, simplicity, and faith.

6. Contemporary itineraries for Jubilee 2025 pilgrims

In addition to traditional pilgrimages, many contemporary itineraries are offered to pilgrims wishing to participate in the Jubilee. Thanks to technological innovations, such as mobile applications, interactive maps and digital guides, pilgrims can organize their trip to Rome more easily than ever before.

Special transport services will be in place to facilitate access to the various holy places, and accommodation dedicated to pilgrims will be available throughout the city of Rome.

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The 2025 Jubilee in Rome is a unique spiritual opportunity for the faithful from around the world to renew their faith, obtain indulgences, and discover the religious richness of the Eternal City. Whether visiting the four major basilicas, following the pilgrimage of the seven churches, or honoring the Christian martyrs, each itinerary offers a profound and unforgettable experience of faith.

A question about the Jubilee? Browse our article on the most frequently asked questions about the 2025 Jubilee in Rome and find your answers. Also discover our complete file on the 2025 Jubilee.