2025 Jubilee
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2025 Jubilee
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The name Jubilee comes from the Hebrew yobel, a ram’s horn used to proclaim the holy year.
Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking spiritual enrichment or a traveler eager to experience Rome’s unique atmosphere during this momentous occasion, proper planning is essential.
Our Manet Travel guide provides invaluable tips to help you navigate Rome city, make the most of your visit, and fully immerse yourself in the Jubilee experience.
The Jubilee traces its origins to ancient Hebrew tradition, where it was known as the Year of yōbēl (meaning “year of the ram’s horn”), so named because it was announced by the sound of a ram’s horn. This year, declared holy by Mosaic law, occurred every 50 years and symbolized a time of emancipation and restoration.
During the Jubilee, slaves were freed, lands were returned to their original owners, and the land itself rested from cultivation, reflecting the belief that all property ultimately belonged to God.
Beyond its biblical significance, Jubilee celebrations have evolved to mark major milestones, often characterized by festivities, reflection, and rejoicing, embodying a universal message of renewal and liberation.
In the Bible, the Year of Jubilee signifies a time of liberation and restoration. It mandates the forgiveness of debts, the freeing of slaves, and the return of lands to their original owners, reflecting God’s sovereignty over all property.
In the Catholic Church, it represents a period of spiritual renewal, with opportunities for plenary indulgences through participation in specific religious practices.
In biblical tradition, a Jubilee year occurred every 50 years, as prescribed by Mosaic law.
In Christian tradition, the Jubilee began in 1300, initiated by Pope Boniface VIII and initially observed every 100 years. Over time, the interval was adjusted: Pope Clement VI reduced it to 50 years, Pope Urban VI aligned it with the 33 years of Christ’s life, and finally, Pope Paul II established the cycle at 25 years in 1475. This schedule for ordinary Jubilees remains unchanged.
In addition to ordinary Jubilees, the Church may declare extraordinary Jubilees outside the regular cycle to commemorate special events or address significant spiritual needs.
The 2025 Jubilee marks the latest iteration of this 25-year cycle, offering a time for spiritual renewal, penance, and celebration within the Catholic Church.
An ordinary Jubilee occurs every 25 years, following a set schedule by the Church.
In contrast, an extraordinary Jubilee can be proclaimed by the Pope to address specific events or spiritual needs. For instance, the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015, declared by Pope Francis, emphasized God’s mercy and forgiveness. It included the symbolic opening of Holy Doors in Rome and worldwide, inviting Catholics to experience renewal and acts of compassion.
Both Jubilees offer opportunities for spiritual growth, but extraordinary ones respond to unique moments in Church or global history.
The Holy Door is a special entrance in specific major basilicas, opened only during a Jubilee year.
It symbolizes Christ as the way to salvation, inviting pilgrims to deepen their relationship with God. These doors will be ceremonially opened by the Pope at the start of the Jubilee, offering pilgrims the opportunity to pass through them as a reaffirmation of faith, associated with plenary indulgences and a spiritual journey toward forgiveness.
For Jubilee 2025, the Holy Doors in these four papal basilicas in Rome will be opened:
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