The year 2025 will be a special year for the Catholic Church, as it will be declared a Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee Year. This period of spiritual renewal and forgiveness is deeply rooted in centuries of tradition, connecting believers with hope, grace, and spiritual renewal. But what exactly does a Holy Year mean, and what will happen during this period?
What is a holy year?
Holy Year is a special year in which the Catholic Church grants a plenary indulgence to all who, under certain conditions, repent of their sins and perform special acts of piety, such as pilgrimages to holy places, prayer, and confession. The tradition of holy years dates back to the year 1300, when it was first proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII. At that time, it was determined that a holy year would be celebrated every 100 years, but later the interval was shortened to 25 years.
Besides regular Holy Years, which take place every 25 years, the Pope can also proclaim extraordinary Holy Years when there are special circumstances for it. The last Extraordinary Holy Year was in 2016, when Pope Francis declared Year of Mercy.
The meaning of the holy year 2025
The Holy Year 2025 will be the first regular Jubilee Year in this millennium since the year 2000. Pope Francis has chosen the motto for this year: "Hope does not disappoint" (“Spes non confundit”), based on Paul’s letter to the Romans (Rom 5:5). The motto emphasizes the necessity of maintaining hope in today’s world, full of uncertainty and challenges.
Pope Francis wants this year to be an opportunity for reflection, spiritual renewal and solidarity with the marginalized. It is also expected to encourage millions of believers to make pilgrimages to Rome and other holy sites around the world.
Events and rituals of the Holy Year
During the Holy Year, special ceremonies and events will take place in Rome and around the world. Some key aspects of the Holy Year 2025 are:
- Opening the Holy Door: The Basilicas of Rome (Four Papal Basilicas) will be open holy door, through which pilgrims will enter as a symbol of their spiritual renewal and search for forgiveness. These doors are open only during the Holy Year.
- Pilgrimages: Rome will become a center of pilgrimage for pilgrims from all over the world. The faithful will visit the four main basilicas: St. Peter's, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major.
- Plenary indulgences: A plenary indulgence will be available to the faithful who repent of their sins, go to confession, receive communion, and pray for the popes' intentions.
- Special events: The church will organize numerous religious events, conferences, youth gatherings, charity campaigns, and cultural performances.
Expectations and influence
In 2025, Rome is expected to welcome millions of pilgrims, which will have a significant impact on the city's infrastructure, tourism and economy. The Italian government and the Vatican are already making preparations for this large-scale event. The Holy Year also provides an opportunity for solidarity, connecting people of all nationalities and fostering mutual understanding.
According to Pope Francis, this period is also an opportunity for “building a more just and compassionate world”The Holy Year will thus mark not only religious but also social renewal, with an emphasis on the values of hope, solidarity and peace.
Conclusion: Time for spiritual renewal
The year 2025 will be a remarkable opportunity for inner growth, forgiveness, and renewed hope for millions of believers around the world. Regardless of religious affiliation, the jubilee year can be a stimulus for reflection and striving for a better society.
When the sacred doors open, a new chapter of hope will also open – for, as the motto of the year says: hope does not disappoint.
