The Year of the Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

The Holy Father has announced that 2025 will be a Jubilee Year, something which happens every 25 years. The theme for Jubilee 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope,” and it will be a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and the climate crisis.

What is a Jubilee?

“Jubilee” is the name given to a particular year. A time to re-establish a proper relationship with God, with one another, and with all of Creation. To learn more click here.

Jubilees throughout History

In the Catholic Church, the concept of Jubilee or ‘Holy Year’ was used to declare special years for forgiveness and reconciliation. The first Jubilee was declared by Pope Boniface VIII on 22nd February 1300 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter), to mark the beginning of that century. He later recommended it occurring every 100 years.  Learn more here.

Letter from Pope Francis

Letter of the Holy Father Francis for the Promotion of the New Evangelization for the Jubilee 2025. Click here.

Year of the Council

In the letter that Pope Francis wrote in preparation for the Jubilee Year of 2025, he said that “The four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, together with the Magisterium of these recent decades, will continue to provide direction and guidance to God’s holy people, so that it can press forward in its mission of bringing the joyful proclamation of the Gospel to everyone.” Click here to learn more and to find resources to help you to prepare for this Holy Year.

Year of Prayer

After the time dedicated to reflection on the documents and the study of the fruits of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis has asked that 2024 be marked as a Year of Prayer to recover the desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and adore him. Click here to learn more and to find resources and initiatives to help you to reflect on and practice your life of prayer.