2025 will be a Jubilee Year, with an opportunity to get a plenary indulgence.
It was announced by Pope John Paul II at the end of the Great Jubilee (December 24, 1999 to January 6, 2001), that there will be a jubilee year every 25 years. Therefore, the year 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, beginning on December 24, 2024 and ending on January 6, 2026.
What is a Jubilee Year?
A Jubilee Year is a special year of grace, in which the Catholic Church offers the faithful the possibility of asking for a plenary indulgence (the remission of sins for themselves or for deceased relatives). A bit different from the secular calendar, the Jubilee Year year starts on December 24.
The most well-known rite that starts the Jubilee Year is the opening of the Holy Door in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Normally walled up, the door was opened at that time.
This was followed on successive days by opening the Holy Doors on the other 3 Major Basilicas: Saint John Lateran, Saint Paul Outside the Walls and Saint Mary Major.
These doors will remain open until the end of the Jubilee, when they are once again walled up. Those walking through these holy doors will receive a plenary indulgence.
There are no diocesan holy doors; However, a person can make a pilgrimage to any cathedral to receive the same indulgence. Also, a bishop can designate certain types of shrines for the same indulgence.
You can find the official Vatican Jubilee Year 2025 website here.
If you plan to travel to Rome for the Jubilee Year, we suggest you check out the many pilgrimages being offered by Select International Tours.