Over 33 Million Pilgrims Attend Historic Two-Pope Jubilee in Rome

The 2025 Jubilee year for the Catholic Church attracted over 33 million pilgrims to Rome, according to a statement from the Vatican on Monday. This massive influx of visitors culminated in the closing of the “Holy Door” at St. Peter’s Basilica, a ceremony scheduled for Tuesday presided over by Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis following his death in April.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella reported that pilgrims came from 185 countries to participate in 35 major events throughout the Jubilee, including a festival aimed at young Catholics and the canonization of the first millennial saint. Fisichella emphasized that these figures demonstrate the vitality of the Catholic Church, referring to it as a “dynamic church” during a press conference.

This Jubilee year is particularly notable as it marked a rare occasion of a two-pope event. The last time a pope passed away during a Holy Year was in 1700. Despite heavy rain, thousands gathered to pass through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Monday, pausing to perform the sign of the cross. According to tradition, entering through this door grants a “plenary indulgence,” symbolizing forgiveness of sins. “It’s really a grace. And I feel great,” said Josie Aguirre, a 67-year-old pilgrim from the Philippines. “The jubilee door is a way to renew people’s faith; it brings people together,” she remarked.

Impact on Rome and Pilgrim Experience

The final pilgrim was expected to pass through the Holy Door at 17:30 local time (16:30 GMT). The Jubilee, organized every 25 years, serves as a period of reflection and penance for the world’s more than 1.4 billion Catholics. The Vatican noted that approximately 60 percent of attendees were from Europe, with 16 percent hailing from North America. The significant rise in pilgrim numbers followed the election of Pope Leo in May, the Church’s first pope from the United States.

In preparation for the Jubilee, various parts of Rome underwent renovations, including landmarks such as the Trevi Fountain. Concerns had been raised about the city’s capacity to accommodate the influx of visitors, particularly given the challenges of over-tourism and a strained public transport system. However, Roberto Gualtieri, the Mayor of Rome, praised the city’s efforts, describing the year as a “boom year” for tourism and emphasizing the Jubilee’s legacy of revitalizing confidence in Rome’s potential for transformation.

Looking Ahead for the Papacy

During the Jubilee, Holy Doors were also opened at Rome’s three major basilicas, enhancing the pilgrimage experience. John Yun, a 61-year-old physician from Vancouver, Canada, expressed some disappointment that only one door remained open at the end of the Jubilee. Nevertheless, he and his 21-year-old son managed to pass through and looked forward to attending a general audience with Pope Leo on Wednesday. “I hope he speaks some English. I love hearing English spoken by the Holy Father,” Yun remarked, appreciating the new pope’s humble demeanor.

Experts suggest that the conclusion of the Jubilee may represent a significant turning point, allowing Pope Leo to establish his papacy distinct from that of Pope Francis. Since his election, Leo has been working through documents prepared by his predecessor and fulfilling commitments made by Francis, including planned visits to Lebanon and Turkey. As noted by Andrea Gagliarducci, a Vatican expert for the Catholic News Agency, “This period has been a ‘middle world’ in which the old and new pontificates overlapped.” With the Jubilee’s conclusion, it is expected that Pope Leo will now be able to assert his leadership more independently.

As the Jubilee year comes to a close, the impact of this unique celebration will likely resonate within the Church and among its followers for years to come.