Record Participation in 2025 Catholic Holy Year

The 2025 Catholic Holy Year, also known as the Jubilee of Hope, concluded with a record participation of approximately 33.5 million pilgrims visiting Rome. This event, which occurs every 25 years, is marked by opportunities for pilgrims to receive indulgences and engage in spiritual activities, including entering special "Holy Doors" at four major basilicas. The Holy Year was officially closed on January 6, 2026, by Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis, marking a rare occurrence where one pope opened and another closed the Jubilee.

UsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportReutersCountdown to the closing of the jubilee: When, who will close the Holy Doors in Rome?Vatican says more than 33 million pilgrims took part in jubilee

According to the Vatican, the final count of pilgrims was 33,475,369, surpassing initial estimates of 31.7 million. The majority of participants hailed from Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil, and Poland, with visitors coming from 185 countries. The increase in attendance was particularly notable following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025 and the subsequent election of Pope Leo XIV in May. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Vatican's lead jubilee official, noted that the count was derived from registrations, volunteer crowd counters, and surveillance data from St. Peter's Basilica.

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The influx of pilgrims significantly boosted local economies, benefiting shops, museums, and restaurants. The Italian government invested approximately 3.7 billion euros (around $4.3 billion) in public works projects to enhance the city’s infrastructure in preparation for the event. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri reported that 110 out of 117 planned projects were completed, including a new pedestrian piazza and various restorations, such as the Trevi Fountain. However, the extensive construction led to frustrations among residents and visitors, as many attractions were obscured by scaffolding.

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Despite the overall success, there were disputes regarding the design of fountains in the newly constructed piazza, with differing opinions between Gualtieri and Fisichella. The mayor favored the contemporary design, while Fisichella expressed concerns that they did not complement the historical architecture of the area. Additionally, the surge in short-term rentals for pilgrims left many long-term renters dissatisfied as the rental market shifted.

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Looking ahead, a special Jubilee year is anticipated in 2033 to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' death. Pope Leo XIV has proposed a joint pilgrimage with other Christian leaders to Jerusalem as part of the celebrations. The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, which was closed during the ceremony, is scheduled to reopen in 2033.

Countdown to the closing of the jubilee: When, who will close the Holy Doors in Rome?

• “The whole world has come to Rome,” — Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Vatican's lead jubilee official.

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• “This was probably the only point on which we had to say, laughing and smiling, that we didn’t completely agree,” — Archbishop Rino Fisichella on the fountain design dispute.

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• “The Jubilee has been a driving force for the transformation of the city,” — Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri.

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The 2025 Holy Year not only marked a significant religious event but also catalyzed substantial economic and infrastructural changes in Rome. As the Vatican prepares for future jubilees, the legacy of this year will likely influence both the Church and the city for years to come.

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