Vatican and Rome gear up for 2025 jubilee

This once-every-quarter-century event, expected to draw approximately 32 million pilgrims to Rome, has been accompanied by months of intense construction activities, causing headaches for locals. Pope Francis will lead a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica for the formal reading of the papal bull, outlining the spiritual theme of hope for the year. This event signals the beginning of a seven-month rush to complete preparations and public works projects by December 24th, when the Holy Door of the basilica will be opened, officially commencing the Jubilee.

Traditionally, the Holy Year is a time for pilgrims to visit the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul and seek indulgences for the forgiveness of their sins. For Rome, it presents an opportunity to utilize approximately 4 billion euros in public funds for long-overdue projects aimed at revitalizing the city after years of neglect.

Archbishop Renato Fisichella, overseeing the Jubilee preparations, highlighted the potential transformation of Rome into a more beautiful and functional city. The 2025 Jubilee follows Pope Boniface VIII’s declaration of the first Holy Year in 1300, with subsequent celebrations occurring every 25 years. While an interim Jubilee focused on mercy was held in 2015, the upcoming event marks the first significant one since St. John Paul II’s 2000 Jubilee.

Preparations for the Jubilee have led to extensive construction activities across Rome, with illuminated sites operating non-stop, thoroughfares redirected, and traffic congestion exacerbating existing challenges. The Tiber riverfront is undergoing transformation into new parks, while piazzas are being repaved, bike paths constructed, and 5G infrastructure installed.

The ambitious projects also include the extension of Rome’s Metro C subway line to the historic center, although archaeological excavations have caused delays. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed satisfaction with the progress despite initial setbacks, assuring that the projects would be completed on time.

However, as of late last month, only a fraction of the city projects had been completed, with many still in progress or awaiting commencement. Despite challenges, one of the most significant achievements so far is the creation of a new Vatican-area pedestrian zone, enhancing accessibility and aesthetics around St. Peter’s Square.

With the clock ticking, construction crews are working tirelessly to meet deadlines, exemplifying the collective effort to ensure a memorable and impactful 2025 Jubilee for Rome and the Vatican.