The 2025 Jubilee: Why a Rare “Two-Pope” Holy Year Has Captivated the World

Ever felt like the world needs a giant reset button? A chance to wipe the slate clean, forgive old debts, and start fresh? In the Catholic Church, that idea has a name: a Jubilee Year. And 2025 is one of them. But this isn’t just any Holy Year; it’s one marked by a historical anomaly so rare it has happened only a handful of times in seven centuries.

This year’s Jubilee, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” was set to be a momentous occasion, drawing an estimated 35 million people to Rome. The celebrations began as planned, but the year took an unexpected turn with the death of the beloved Pope Francis in the spring. His successor, Pope Leo XIV, has since taken the helm, meaning a single Jubilee Year is being presided over by two different pontiffs. It’s a profound and unusual event that has added a unique weight to this ancient tradition.

What on Earth is a Jubilee?

The idea of a Jubilee is ancient, stretching back thousands of years to the Old Testament. In the Book of Leviticus, a Jubilee year was to happen every 50 years. It was a radical time of social justice: debts were cancelled, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. It was a divinely mandated fresh start.

The Catholic Church adopted this powerful concept in the year 1300. Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Christian Jubilee, a “Holy Year” of remission and pardon. The centrepiece of the celebration is a pilgrimage to Rome and the opening of the Holy Doors at the city’s four major basilicas.

These doors are normally bricked up and sealed from the inside. At the start of a Jubilee, the Pope opens the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, and representatives open the others. For the next year, pilgrims can walk through these symbolic portals as a sign of spiritual renewal and reconciliation. It’s a powerful ritual, physically marking a passage from one state of being to another.

A Jubilee of Two Popes

Having two popes preside over a single Jubilee is incredibly rare. Since the tradition began in 1300, it has only happened a couple of times. The Jubilee of 1700 was opened by Pope Innocent XII, who died during the year, and was concluded by Pope Clement XI. A few decades later, the 1775 Jubilee was announced by Pope Clement XIV, but he passed away before it began, leaving Pope Pius VI to open the Holy Door.

The unexpected transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo XIV in 2025 places this year’s Jubilee in that same rare, historic category. It’s a moment of both sorrow and renewal, a poignant reflection of the Jubilee’s own themes of endings and new beginnings.

Pilgrims of Hope in a Modern World

Despite the solemn events of the spring, the Jubilee has continued with incredible energy. Millions have flocked to Rome for special events celebrating everyone from families and athletes to artists and catechists.

In a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern life, the Jubilee is also seeing the canonisation of Carlo Acutis, a London-born Italian teenager and web developer who died in 2006. Known as the “first millennial saint,” he used his tech skills to document miracles online, embodying a new kind of faith for the digital age. It’s a powerful reminder that even ancient traditions can find new expression, much like we see with the stories of The Incorruptible Saints.

The Jubilee has also become a space for complex conversations within the Church. This year saw the first-ever officially recognised LGBTQ+ pilgrimage, where hundreds of people journeyed to Rome to participate in the celebrations, walking through the Holy Door in a powerful symbol of inclusion and hope. It shows how The Power of Pilgrimage continues to evolve, offering a path for diverse groups to seek connection and meaning.

A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Eternal City

With tens of millions visiting Rome, finding a place to stay can be a challenge. But for a journey this significant, why not stay somewhere that truly fits the spirit of the occasion?

Instead of a standard hotel, consider staying in one of Rome’s many monasteries, convents, or religious guesthouses. Many of these historic and peaceful locations open their doors to visitors, offering a unique and often more affordable alternative. The team at Monasteries.com have a fantastic guide to available rooms across the city, allowing you to stay in a place that feels connected to Rome’s deep spiritual history.

If you’re planning your trip, you can also check for flights and package deals on sites like Expedia to make your pilgrimage as smooth as possible. A visit to Rome offers more than just the Jubilee; it’s a chance to explore layers of history, from The Roman Cult of Mithras to the wonders of the Renaissance.

In Pure Spirit

A Jubilee is a reminder that the need for renewal, forgiveness, and hope is a timeless human desire. The strange and rare circumstances of this year’s “two-pope Jubilee” only add to its mystique, proving that even centuries-old traditions can still surprise us.

What do you think of this ancient tradition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.