2025 is a Jubilee year in Rome and Vatican City. Jubilees are scheduled every 25 years although there are some exceptional ones. The first Jubilee was in 1300.
The Jubilee year begins on Christmas Eve of the preceding year and ends on Epiphany of the following year so this year’s Jubilee dates are December 24, 2024 through January 6, 2026. On December 24 the Pope opens the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. In 2024, Pope Francis followed this by opening the Holy Door at one of Rome’s prisons. The Holy Doors at the other 3 Papal Basilicas open on these dates: Saint John Lateran on December 29, Saint Mary Major on January 1, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls on January 5. Believers who pass through these holy doors can obtain a plenary indulgence, a form of forgiveness of sins granted by the Catholic Church.
The Holy Doors at these 3 Papal Basilicas will all be closed on December 28, 2025, and special masses will be said at Catholic churches around the world. Saint Peter’s Basilica’s Holy Door will close on January 6, marking the end of the Jubilee. For coverage of Jubilee events see the Vatican News Facebook page.
Plan Your Visit to Rome
Huge crowds are expected in Rome during 2025 as millions of pilgrims and tourists flock to the city so be sure to book your hotel, tickets, and guided tours in advance.
Where to Stay:- We stayed at Vino & Oli Residenze, a hotel with beautiful apartments in the Vatican City area. Read our review
- Trianon Borgo Pio Aparthotel, between the Vatican Museums and Castel Sant’Angelo, is also well-located for visiting the Vatican City sights.
- San Giovanni Rooms Roma is on Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, where Saint John Lateran Basilica is located. There’s a metro stop nearby and it’s less than half a mile from the Colosseum.
- Hotel Boromeo is by the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, well located between the Colosseum and Termini train station.
- JK Place, near the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon, is a top boutique hotel.
- See and compare more top Rome hotels.
Rome Map and Neighborhood Guide
What are the 4 Papal Basilicas?
Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City is the Church of the Popes and a major pilgrimage site. Here is where the Pope says mass and presides over special ceremonies. Erected in the 16th century, it was the world’s largest Christian church until 1989, and holds many beautiful works of art. It’s located in the magnificent Saint Peter’s Square and is next to the Vatican Museums. Visiting Saint Peter’s Basilica is free but visitors must go through security and there’s often a long line to enter.

Basilica of Saint John Lateran, San Giovanni Laterano, is Rome’s Cathedral. Although it’s outside Vatican City, it still belongs to the Holy See and was the residence of the Popes until 1309 when the papacy was moved to Avignon, France. Founded in the 4th century, it’s Rome’s oldest church and the oldest basilica in Europe. Top things to see are the statues of the 12 apostles made by students of Bernini, the frescoes on the ceiling designed by Michelangelo, and the papal altar with what are believed to be relics of Paul and Peter. You can also visit the 13th century cloister. Nearby you can visit the stunning Museum of the Lateran Palace.
Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Santa Maria Maggiore, is said to be the first church where Christmas mass was said. A reliquary in the Crypt of the Nativity holds what is believed to be pieces of the original nativity crib and the procession of the Holy Crib is held on Christmas. In the church’s museum, you can see what’s thought to be the oldest presepe or Christmas crib representation. Commissioned for the Jubilee held in 1300, the nativity includes 8 large marble figures carved by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1288. Saint Mary Major website
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, is outside the walls of Rome, about a half hour walk along Via Ostiense from the San Paolo gate. Inside are what re said to be the chains that linked Saint Paul to the soldier and his tomb over which the original church was erected in the 4th century. It’s also known for the portraits of the popes, stunning mosaics, its beautiful 6th century cloister. See photos and read more about Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
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