Catholic Pilgrimage to Rome 2025 | Jubilee Year Guide

The Roman poet Tibullus first called Rome the Urbs Aeterna—the Eternal City—in the first century before Christ. The name endured through empire and republic, sack and restoration, until it attached itself to something he could not have foreseen: the seat of the Bishop of Rome. Even when the popes resided in Avignon for nearly seventy years, Rome called them back. Saint Catherine of Siena wrote to Pope Gregory XI that he must return to "a garden watered with the blood of the martyrs." He did, in 1377, and no pope has left since. Peter, the fisherman from Galilee, came to the capital of the known world and was martyred here. Paul, too, appealed to Caesar and journeyed to Rome as a prisoner. Both apostles died under Nero around 64-67 AD—Peter crucified upside down in the emperor's circus on Vatican Hill, Paul beheaded along the Via Ostiense. Their tombs became the foundation stones of Christian Rome. The ancient city spread across seven hills—Palatine, Capitoline, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Quirinal, and Viminal—but Vatican Hill was not among them. It lay across the Tiber, outside the city walls, a place of vineyards and cemeteries where Peter was buried in a modest grave. Emperor Constantine filled in the cemetery and moved the hillside itself to build the first Saint Peter's Basilica directly over the apostle's tomb in the fourth century. Today, Vatican City—created by the Lateran Treaty of 1929 as the world's smallest independent state—preserves this ground under papal sovereignty. For seventeen centuries, pilgrims have traveled ad limina apostolorum—to the threshold of the apostles. In Spanish, a pilgrim to Rome became a romero; in Italian, a romeo. Charlemagne came four times during his reign as King of the Franks, and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III at Saint Peter's on Christmas Day 800. Saint Birgitta of Sweden arrived in 1350 and remained for the rest of her life, receiving visions and founding her religious order. Kings, peasants, penitents, and saints followed the ancient roads southward, seeking the tombs of Peter and Paul and the relics that Saint Helena had brought from Jerusalem—fragments of the True Cross, the stairs Christ climbed before Pilate, a nail from the Crucifixion. Saint Philip Neri revived the tradition of the Seven Pilgrim Churches in the sixteenth century, leading joyful walking pilgrimages through Rome as a counterpoint to Carnival's excesses. The circuit linked the four major papal basilicas—Saint Peter's, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Saint John Lateran, and Saint Mary Major—with three ancient churches beyond the walls: Saint Lawrence, Saint Sebastian, and Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Jubilee Year in 1300, promising plenary indulgences to pilgrims who visited the basilicas. The tradition continues: The Great Jubilee of 2000 drew some 25 million pilgrims; the 2025 Jubilee Year "Pilgrims of Hope" has already welcomed over 24 million through September 2025, with projections reaching 35 million by its close in January 2026. In ordinary years, approximately 10 million pilgrims visit Rome annually—a city where the papacy, the curia, and the universal communion of the faithful remain anchored to the bones of the fisherman from Galilee.

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✟ Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

Pope Francis proclaimed the 2025 Jubilee Year with his May 9, 2024 bull Spes Non Confundit ("Hope Does Not Disappoint"), continuing a tradition established by Pope Boniface VIII in 1300. The Holy Year runs from December 24, 2024 to January 6, 2026, offering pilgrims extraordinary opportunities for spiritual renewal and the reception of plenary indulgences.

Holy Doors

Four Holy Doors stand open throughout the Jubilee Year at Rome's papal basilicas:

• Saint Peter's Basilica — opened by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve 2024
• Saint John Lateran — the cathedral of Rome
• Saint Mary Major — the principal Marian basilica
• Saint Paul Outside the Walls — tomb of the Apostle to the Gentiles

In an unprecedented gesture, Pope Francis opened a fifth Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison on December 26, 2024, extending the Jubilee's message of hope and mercy to the incarcerated.

Obtaining a Plenary Indulgence

To receive the plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year, pilgrims must fulfill these conditions:

1. Be in a state of grace with complete detachment from all sin, even venial 1. Make a sacramental confession (within approximately 20 days before or after) 1. Receive Holy Communion 1. Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father (one Our Father, one Hail Mary, or another prayer) 1. Pass through a Holy Door at one of the designated basilicas 1. Participate in a sacred celebration or devotional exercise at the pilgrimage site

A plenary indulgence may be applied to oneself or to a soul in purgatory. During Jubilee years, two plenary indulgences may be gained per day if the second is applied to the deceased.

Major Jubilee Events 2025

• April 27, 2025 — Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis during the Jubilee of Teenagers
• May 30–June 1, 2025 — Jubilee of Families
• July 28–August 3, 2025 — Jubilee of Young People
• August 3, 2025 — Canonization of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Planning Your Jubilee Pilgrimage

The official Jubilee website iubilaeum2025.va provides pilgrimage registration, event calendars, and practical information. The IUBILAEUM25 mobile app offers a digital Pilgrim's Card for access to Jubilee events and personalized pilgrimage planning. Given the extraordinary crowds—over 24 million pilgrims by September 2025—advance booking for accommodations and major sites is essential.

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☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Rome

Rome's sacred landscape encompasses hundreds of churches, but the heart of Catholic pilgrimage centers on the four major papal basilicas and the traditional Seven Pilgrim Churches. These ancient sanctuaries, built over the tombs of apostles and martyrs, have welcomed countless pilgrims across two millennia. The historic centro storico places most major sites within walking distance of each other, while the churches "outside the walls" require longer journeys that have been part of the pilgrim experience since antiquity.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Local Name: Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City GPS Coordinates: 41.9021667, 12.4539367 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.vatican.va/ Dedication: Saint Peter the Apostle Historical Note: The present basilica, the largest church in the world, rises over the tomb of Saint Peter, who was martyred in Nero's Circus around AD 64-67 and buried in the adjacent necropolis. Emperor Constantine built the first basilica here in the 4th century, which stood for over a millennium before Pope Julius II commissioned its replacement in 1506. The greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods—Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini—contributed to the new basilica over 120 years of construction. Michelangelo designed the soaring dome that dominates the Roman skyline, while Bernini created the magnificent baldachin over the papal altar and the sweeping colonnades that embrace pilgrims in Saint Peter's Square. Spiritual Importance: As the burial place of the Prince of the Apostles, Saint Peter's draws pilgrims to pray at the Confession—the sunken area directly before the papal altar where Saint Peter's tomb lies. The Vatican Grottoes below contain the tombs of numerous popes, while the Scavi (excavations) beneath reveal the original necropolis and the simple monument marking Peter's grave, confirmed by archaeological evidence in the 20th century. During Jubilee years, pilgrims pass through the Holy Door, opened only for these special occasions, to receive the plenary indulgence. The basilica houses precious relics including a fragment of the Holy Lance, the chair of Saint Peter encased in Bernini's bronze throne, and Veronica's Veil—the cloth tradition holds a compassionate woman used to wipe Christ's face on the Via Dolorosa, miraculously imprinting his image. The veil is displayed publicly only once annually on the Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passion Sunday), with a special showing during the 2025 Jubilee. The basilica offers confession daily in over 10 languages (confessionals are marked with language flags), served by Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and other multilingual priests. Confessions are heard from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with particular availability during morning hours. Daily Mass, adoration, and the opportunity to pray at the tomb of Saint Peter draw pilgrims throughout the day.

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Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Local Name: Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura Address: Piazzale San Paolo, 1a, 00146 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8587850, 12.4761771 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.basilicasanpaolo.org/ Dedication: Saint Paul the Apostle Historical Note: This majestic basilica marks the burial place of Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, who was beheaded along the Via Ostiense around AD 67. A small memorial shrine (cella memoriae) was built over his tomb immediately after his martyrdom, and Emperor Constantine erected the first basilica here in the 4th century. The church was greatly expanded in 386 AD to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims, becoming the largest church in Rome until the construction of new Saint Peter's. A devastating fire in 1823 destroyed most of the ancient structure, but the basilica was faithfully rebuilt and reconsecrated by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The reconstruction preserved the original layout and incorporated surviving elements, including the 5th-century triumphal arch with its stunning mosaics. Spiritual Importance: Pilgrims come to venerate the tomb of Saint Paul, visible through a window beneath the papal altar, where a 4th-century inscription reads "PAULO APOSTOLO MART" (Paul, Apostle and Martyr). The basilica's remarkable gallery of papal portraits—mosaic medallions depicting every pope from Saint Peter to the present—powerfully illustrates the apostolic succession. The peaceful 13th-century cloister, with its intricate Cosmatesque columns, offers a contemplative space for prayer. As one of the four papal basilicas and a Holy Door church during Jubilee years, Saint Paul's invites pilgrims to reflect on the Apostle's missionary journeys and his call to spread the Gospel to all nations.

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Basilica of Saint John Lateran

Local Name: Arcibasilica Papale di San Giovanni in Laterano Address: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8858811, 12.5056730 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.vatican.va/ Dedication: Most Holy Savior; Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist Historical Note: The Cathedral of Rome and the oldest of the four papal basilicas, Saint John Lateran bears the title "Mother and Head of all Churches of the City and the World" (Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput). Emperor Constantine donated the Lateran Palace to Pope Miltiades around 313 AD, and the basilica was consecrated in 324 AD—the first public church in Rome. For nearly a thousand years, the Lateran served as the principal papal residence and the site of five ecumenical councils. Though rebuilt several times after fires and earthquakes, the present baroque interior designed by Borromini in the 17th century preserves the ancient floor plan. The massive statues of the twelve apostles lining the nave were added in the early 18th century. Spiritual Importance: As the pope's cathedral church, Saint John Lateran holds primacy among all Catholic churches worldwide. The basilica houses extraordinary relics, including the wooden table tradition holds was used at the Last Supper and reliquaries containing what tradition holds are the heads of Saints Peter and Paul. The adjacent Scala Santa (see separate entry below) draws pilgrims who ascend on their knees. The baptistery, the oldest in the Christian world, preserves the octagonal form that became the model for baptisteries throughout Christendom.

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Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Local Name: Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8975986, 12.4984084 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.vatican.va/ Dedication: Blessed Virgin Mary Historical Note: The largest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, this basilica was built by Pope Sixtus III immediately after the Council of Ephesus (431 AD) proclaimed Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God). According to tradition, the Virgin appeared to Pope Liberius and a Roman patrician named John on the night of August 4-5, 358 AD, instructing them to build a church where snow would fall. The next morning, snow miraculously covered the Esquiline Hill in the heat of summer, marking the site. The basilica preserves its original 5th-century structure more completely than any other Roman church, with 36 ancient columns lining the nave and magnificent mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the life of Mary. Spiritual Importance: Saint Mary Major houses the most venerated Marian icon in Rome: the Salus Populi Romani (Protectress of the Roman People), a Byzantine painting tradition attributes to Saint Luke. Popes have venerated this icon for centuries; Pope Francis has visited over 100 times during his pontificate, praying before it before and after every apostolic journey and at moments of crisis or thanksgiving. Beneath the high altar lies the Confessio, containing relics of the Holy Crib—fragments of the manger where the infant Jesus was laid. The basilica's Borghese Chapel, with its jewel-encrusted altar and the icon of Our Lady, and the Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with the Vatican's) are masterpieces of Renaissance art. Christmas celebrations here are particularly moving, with the display of the crib relics and solemn midnight Mass.

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Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem

Local Name: Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Address: Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, 12, 00185 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8883893, 12.5155420 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.santacroceroma.it/ Dedication: The Holy Cross Historical Note: This basilica was built within the Sessorian Palace, the residence of Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Around 325 AD, Helena returned from her pilgrimage to Jerusalem bearing the most precious relics of Christ's Passion, and she consecrated a chapel in her palace to house them, spreading soil from Calvary beneath the floor. The church was rebuilt in the 12th century and given its present baroque facade in the 18th century, but the Chapel of the Relics preserves the intimate space where Helena's treasures have been venerated for seventeen centuries. Spiritual Importance: The Chapel of the Relics contains the most significant collection of Passion relics outside Jerusalem: fragments of the True Cross, one of the nails from the Crucifixion, two thorns from the Crown of Thorns, part of the cross of the Good Thief, and the finger bone of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Most remarkably, it preserves the Titulus Crucis—the wooden plaque inscribed "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin that hung above Christ on the cross. Pilgrims come to meditate on Christ's suffering and to venerate these tangible connections to the events of Good Friday.

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Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls

Local Name: Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura Address: Piazzale del Verano, 3, 00185 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.9025280, 12.5205590 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.basilicasanlorenzo.it/ Dedication: Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Historical Note: This ancient basilica marks the burial place of Saint Lawrence, one of the seven deacons of Rome who was martyred in 258 AD during the persecution of Emperor Valerian. When ordered to surrender the Church's treasures, Lawrence gathered the poor, sick, and suffering of Rome and presented them to the prefect, declaring "These are the treasures of the Church." He was condemned to death by being roasted on a gridiron—tradition holds that he told his executioners to turn him over because he was "done on this side." Emperor Constantine built a small oratory over his tomb, which was expanded in the 6th century by Pope Pelagius II. The present structure uniquely combines two churches built end-to-end. Spiritual Importance: The basilica houses the relics of two of Christianity's most celebrated martyrs: Saint Lawrence and Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose relics were brought from Jerusalem. Pilgrims descend to the Confessio to venerate the tombs of both saints. The adjacent Campo Verano cemetery, Rome's largest, has surrounded the basilica since the Napoleonic era, creating a contemplative atmosphere that connects the veneration of the ancient martyrs with prayers for the faithful departed. The beautiful 13th-century cloister and the original 6th-century church, now the presbytery, preserve the atmosphere of early Christian Rome.

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Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls

Local Name: Basilica di San Sebastiano fuori le Mura Address: Via Appia Antica, 136, 00179 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8558325, 12.5158104 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.catacombe.org/ Dedication: Saint Sebastian, Martyr Historical Note: Situated along the ancient Via Appia, this basilica was originally dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul, whose relics may have been temporarily hidden here during persecutions. The site gained fame through Saint Sebastian, a Roman soldier and secret Christian who was martyred around 288 AD. When Emperor Diocletian discovered Sebastian's faith, he ordered him tied to a stake and shot with arrows—the scene famously depicted in countless works of art. Left for dead, Sebastian was nursed back to health by Saint Irene, only to confront the emperor again and be beaten to death. The present church, rebuilt in the 17th century, replaced the original 4th-century basilica. Spiritual Importance: The Catacombs of San Sebastiano beneath the basilica are among the most important in Rome, containing miles of underground galleries where early Christians buried their dead and gathered for worship during persecutions. The word "catacomb" itself derives from this site—"ad catacumbas" referred to its location in a hollow. Pilgrims can visit the crypt of Saint Sebastian and explore the ancient underground chambers, connecting with the faith of Christians who risked their lives to honor their dead and celebrate the Eucharist. A chapel preserves a relic believed to be an imprint of Christ's feet, left when he appeared to Peter fleeing Rome on the nearby Via Appia (the "Quo Vadis" tradition).

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Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Love

Local Name: Santuario della Madonna del Divino Amore Address: Via del Santuario, 10, 00134 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.7782366, 12.5424558 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.divinoamore.it/ Dedication: Our Lady of Divine Love Historical Note: This modern Marian sanctuary has roots in a miraculous event of 1740, when a traveler attacked by wild dogs prayed before a faded image of the Madonna painted on a ruined tower. The dogs fled, and devotion to Our Lady of Divine Love spread rapidly. A small church was built to house the image, and during World War II, Romans carried the icon into the city and prayed for deliverance from destruction—Rome was spared. In 2000, Pope John Paul II designated this sanctuary as the seventh of Rome's pilgrim churches, replacing Saint Sebastian's for those making the traditional pilgrimage. Spiritual Importance: The sanctuary has become a beloved destination for Roman families and pilgrims alike, particularly for the Saturday night walking pilgrimage from Rome (about 14 kilometers) that continues throughout the warmer months. The miraculous image of Our Lady, now housed in the new sanctuary completed in 1999, draws those seeking Mary's intercession. The peaceful grounds, set in the Roman campagna, offer space for prayer, confession, and retreat from the bustle of the city.

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Pontifical Shrine of the Holy Stairs

Local Name: Santuario della Scala Santa Address: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 14, 00185 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8871437, 12.5066274 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.scala-santa.it/ Dedication: The Passion of Christ Historical Note: The Scala Santa houses the 28 marble steps tradition holds Jesus climbed during his trial before Pontius Pilate, brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the 4th century. Originally installed in the Patriarchium, the complex of Lateran palaces that served as the papal residence, the stairs were relocated to the present building by Pope Sixtus V in 1589. The architect Domenico Fontana constructed the shrine with four parallel staircases, the Holy Stairs in the center flanked by ordinary stairs for descent. Wooden boards protected the original marble for centuries; a major 2019 restoration by the Vatican Museums removed them for 60 days, allowing pilgrims to touch and see the worn stone—including visible depressions from centuries of knees—for the first time in 300 years. The protective boards have since been reinstalled. Spiritual Importance: Pilgrims ascend these stairs only on their knees, praying on each step and meditating on Christ's Passion—a devotion practiced continuously since the Middle Ages. At the summit stands the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies), the former private chapel of the popes, containing the Acheiropoieta—an ancient icon of Christ believed "not made by human hands," one of Christianity's most sacred images, which has remained in this chapel since the 8th century. This intensely devotional site offers one of Rome's most powerful experiences of identification with Christ's suffering. A plenary indulgence is granted to those who devoutly ascend the stairs.

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Sanctuary of Divine Mercy

Local Name: Chiesa di Santo Spirito in Sassia Address: Via dei Penitenzieri, 12, 00193 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.9013388, 12.4610164 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.divinamisericordia.it/ Dedication: Divine Mercy Historical Note: Originally built in the 8th century as a hospice and chapel for Anglo-Saxon pilgrims—hence "in Sassia" (of the Saxons)—this church has served the faithful for over 1,200 years. King Ine of Wessex founded the Schola Saxonum here around 727 AD to care for pilgrims traveling from Britain. The present Renaissance church dates from the rebuilding by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger after the Sack of Rome in 1527, with the facade completed under Pope Sixtus V. In 1994, Pope John Paul II designated this church near Saint Peter's as Rome's Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and center for the spirituality revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska. Spiritual Importance: The sanctuary houses a venerated image of the Divine Mercy and relics of both Saint Faustina and Saint John Paul II. The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, Saint Faustina's order, assist with daily devotions. Each day at 3:00 PM, the Hour of Mercy, pilgrims gather to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet—broadcast live on the sanctuary's website and Catholic television. The church offers perpetual adoration, frequent confession, and English-language Mass on Sundays, making it a spiritual home for international pilgrims staying near the Vatican.

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Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains

Local Name: Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4a, 00184 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8939444, 12.4930556 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.vicariatusurbis.org/ Dedication: Saint Peter the Apostle Historical Note: This 5th-century basilica was built by Empress Eudoxia, wife of Emperor Valentinian III, to house the chains that bound Saint Peter during his imprisonments in Jerusalem (Acts 12) and Rome's Mamertine Prison. According to tradition, when Pope Leo I brought the Jerusalem chains together with those from Rome, they miraculously fused into a single chain. The church was rebuilt in the 15th century under Pope Sixtus IV (of Sistine Chapel fame) and later became the titular church of Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere, who commissioned Michelangelo to create his papal tomb after becoming Pope Julius II. Spiritual Importance: Pilgrims come to venerate the Chains of Saint Peter, displayed in a bronze and crystal reliquary beneath the high altar. These chains represent Peter's suffering for Christ and his miraculous deliverance by an angel in Jerusalem. The basilica also houses Michelangelo's Moses—the magnificent marble sculpture originally intended for Pope Julius II's tomb, depicting Moses descending from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the Law. The horns on Moses's head reflect the Vulgate translation of Exodus 34:29, where the Hebrew word for "rays of light" was rendered as "horns." Though often overlooked by pilgrims focused on Vatican sites, San Pietro in Vincoli offers a powerful meditation on Peter's chains and Christ's promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail."

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Abbey of the Three Fountains

Local Name: Abbazia delle Tre Fontane Address: Via di Acque Salvie, 1, 00142 Roma RM, Italy GPS Coordinates: 41.8355556, 12.4847222 Google Maps: View on Google Maps Website: https://www.abbaziatrefontane.it/ Dedication: Saints Vincent and Anastasius; Saint Paul Historical Note: This tranquil monastic complex marks the site where Saint Paul was beheaded around AD 67. As a Roman citizen, Paul was entitled to execution by sword rather than crucifixion. According to ancient tradition, when the executioner's blade struck, Paul's severed head bounced three times, and at each spot a spring miraculously burst forth—hence "Three Fountains." The Abbey of Saints Vincent and Anastasius has been home to Trappist Cistercian monks since 1868, who transformed the formerly malarial marshland by planting eucalyptus groves. Spiritual Importance: Three churches occupy the complex: Santa Maria Scala Coeli (where Saint Bernard had a vision of souls ascending to heaven), Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio (the main abbey church), and San Paolo alle Tre Fontane (built over the martyrdom site with the column to which Paul was bound and the three fountains). The peaceful atmosphere offers pilgrims a contemplative retreat. The monks welcome visitors and sell eucalyptus products, chocolate, and liqueurs in the abbey shop.

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† The Catacombs of Rome

Over 50 catacombs containing approximately 150 kilometers of underground tunnels served as Christian burial sites from the 2nd–5th centuries AD. These subterranean galleries preserve Christianity's earliest sacred art—the fish (ICHTHYS), dove, Good Shepherd, anchor, and Chi-Rho symbols—and were pilgrimage destinations even during persecutions. Three catacombs stand out for pilgrim visits:

Catacombs of San Callisto

Address: Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Roma RM Website: https://www.catacombe.roma.it/ The largest and most significant catacomb complex: 90 acres, over 20 kilometers of tunnels across four levels reaching 20 meters deep, containing approximately 500,000 burials. The Crypt of the Popes holds nine 3rd-century pontiffs, while the Crypt of Saint Cecilia marks the original burial site of the patron saint of music. Guided tours (approximately €10) run Thursday–Tuesday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, operated by Salesian Fathers.

Catacombs of Priscilla

Address: Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM Website: https://www.catacombepriscilla.com/ Dubbed the "Queen of the Catacombs," this site contains the oldest known Marian paintings (early 3rd century) and the earliest representation of the Annunciation. The Greek Chapel (Capella Greca) features 3rd-century frescoes including the Fractio Panis (Breaking of Bread)—among the earliest depictions of Eucharistic celebration. Managed by Benedictine nuns; open Tuesday–Sunday.

Catacombs of Domitilla

Address: Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, 00147 Roma RM Website: https://www.domitilla.info/ The largest catacomb in Rome with 17+ kilometers of galleries and 174,000 graves. Contains an underground 4th-century basilica and the earliest known images of the apostles Peter, Andrew, and John, discovered in 2010. The 2nd-century Last Supper fresco and earliest image of a bearded Christ make this site essential for understanding early Christian iconography.

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🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday–Easter Sunday) The holiest days of the liturgical year, celebrated with solemn papal liturgies. On Holy Thursday morning, the Pope presides over the Chrism Mass at Saint Peter's, blessing the sacred oils for the year. The evening Mass of the Lord's Supper includes the washing of feet. Good Friday brings the Liturgy of the Passion at Saint Peter's and the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum by torchlight. The Easter Vigil begins in darkness at Saint Peter's with the blessing of the new fire, and Easter Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square concludes with the Urbi et Orbi blessing. Christmas (December 24-25) The Pope celebrates Christmas Eve Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica (traditionally at 9:30 PM rather than midnight due to the pontiff's age). Christmas Day concludes with the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central loggia of Saint Peter's. Saint Mary Major holds special Masses with the display of the relic of the Holy Crib. February 22 – Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter This feast celebrates Christ's establishment of the papacy, symbolized by the ancient wooden chair preserved in Bernini's bronze throne in the apse of Saint Peter's Basilica. Solemn celebrations at the basilica honor the continuity of apostolic authority. March/April – Divine Mercy Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter) Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 2000, this feast draws thousands of pilgrims to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy at Santo Spirito in Sassia. A procession with the Divine Mercy image processes to Saint Peter's Square, where the Pope greets the faithful. May/June – Corpus Christi (Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ) Traditionally celebrated with a Eucharistic procession from Saint John Lateran to Saint Mary Major through the streets of Rome. The Pope leads the procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance, accompanied by thousands of the faithful with candles and hymns. June 29 – Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul The primary patronal feast of Rome. The Holy Father celebrates a solemn papal Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica, during which he blesses the pallia (woolen vestments) for newly appointed metropolitan archbishops. Evening fireworks over Castel Sant'Angelo and festivities throughout the city mark this public holiday. August 5 – Dedication of Saint Mary Major (Our Lady of the Snows) Commemorating the miraculous snowfall that marked the site for the basilica. During the evening Mass, white rose petals fall from the ceiling of the Borghese Chapel, recreating the miracle. November 2 – All Souls' Day Pilgrims visit the Campo Verano cemetery adjacent to Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls to pray for the faithful departed. Masses are celebrated throughout the day at the basilica and in the cemetery's chapel. Romans bring flowers and candles to family graves in an atmosphere of solemn remembrance. December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception The Pope travels to Piazza di Spagna to venerate a statue of the Virgin Mary atop a column, laying a wreath and leading the city in prayer. Solemn celebrations at Saint Mary Major include veneration of the Salus Populi Romani icon.

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👑 Attending a Papal Audience

A papal audience offers pilgrims the opportunity to see the Holy Father, hear his catechesis, and receive his apostolic blessing. Understanding the process ensures a meaningful experience.

General Audiences

When: Wednesday mornings, typically beginning at 9:00 AM (arrive by 7:30 AM for good seating) Where: Saint Peter's Square (spring/summer/fall) or Paul VI Audience Hall (winter/inclement weather) Duration: Approximately 1.5–2 hours The Pope delivers a catechesis in Italian (with summaries read in multiple languages), greets pilgrimage groups by name, leads prayers, and imparts the Apostolic Blessing. Special groups may be invited onto the stage for a personal greeting.

Obtaining Tickets

Tickets are always free—never pay anyone claiming to sell papal audience tickets. Official request methods:

1. Prefecture of the Papal Household – Submit requests via the official Vatican website or by fax (+39 06 6988 5863) 2–4 weeks in advance. Requests should include names, number of tickets needed, preferred date, and contact information. 1. Pontifical North American College – American pilgrims can request tickets through the PNAC Visitors Office (visitorsoffice@pnac.org), which often has better availability than direct Vatican requests. 1. Walk-in tickets – Available from the Swiss Guards at the Bronze Doors (right colonnade of Saint Peter's Square):

• Day before: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Morning of: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
• Not reliable during peak seasons or Jubilee Year

Sunday Angelus

No tickets required. Every Sunday at 12:00 noon (and major solemnities), the Pope appears at the window of the Papal Apartments overlooking Saint Peter's Square. He leads the Angelus prayer, delivers a brief reflection, and imparts his blessing. The gathering lasts approximately 15–20 minutes. Simply arrive in Saint Peter's Square before noon.

Dress Code

Modest attire is strictly enforced for all papal events and Vatican sites:

• Shoulders must be covered (no tank tops, spaghetti straps)
• Knees must be covered (no shorts above the knee, short skirts)
• No hats during the audience itself (men)
• Comfortable shoes recommended for standing/walking

Vendors near Saint Peter's sell shawls and cover-ups for unprepared visitors, but carrying a scarf is advisable.

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🛏️ Where to Stay

Pilgrim Houses & Religious Guesthouses

Istituto Maria Santissima Bambina 📍 Address: Via Paolo VI, 21, 00193 Vatican City 🌐 Website: Contact via email: imbspietro@mariabambina.va Run by nuns on Vatican extraterritorial territory within the Leonine Walls, this beloved pilgrim house offers rooftop terrace views of Saint Peter's dome, simple well-appointed rooms, and genuine religious hospitality steps from the basilica. Extremely popular—book months in advance. Casa Santa Maria alle Fornaci 📍 Address: Piazza Santa Maria alle Fornaci 27, 00165 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.santamariaallefornaci.it/en/ 🔗 Booking.com: casa-per-ferie-santa-maria-alle-fornaci-roma Operated by the Trinitarian Fathers, this renovated pilgrim house sits 300 meters from Saint Peter's Square adjacent to the Vatican walls. Features 54 rooms, chapel, breakfast included, and easy access to Roma San Pietro train station. Domus Carmelitana 📍 Address: Via Alberico II, 44, 00193 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.domuscarmelitana.com/ 🔗 Booking.com: domus-carmelitana Former Carmelite seminary offering 3-star standard accommodations, rooftop terrace with Saint Peter's views, restaurant, and garden. A 9-minute walk to Saint Peter's Square and 2 minutes to Castel Sant'Angelo. Domus Australia 📍 Address: Via Cernaia 14/B, 00185 Rome 🌐 Website: https://domusaustralia.org 🔗 Booking.com: domus-australia Modern pilgrim guest house established by the Archdiocese of Sydney, opened by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. Features private chapel with daily Mass in English (6:00 PM), rooftop terrace restaurant, garden courtyard, and Australian hospitality near Termini Station. Domus Helena 📍 Address: Via Ferruccio 25, 00185 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.domushelena.it 🔗 Booking.com: domus-helena Religious guesthouse operated by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary with chapel, rooftop terrace, and modern rooms near Termini Station. Proceeds support the sisters' missionary work across five continents. Ten minutes' walk to the Colosseum. Casa Il Rosario 📍 Address: Via Sant'Agata dei Goti 10, 00184 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.casailrosarioroma.it Convent accommodation run by Dominican Sisters of Charity in the Monti district, offering private chapel, interior garden, roof terrace with views of ancient Rome, and the peace of a religious community. Midnight curfew. Near Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Casa di Santa Brigida 📍 Address: Piazza Farnese 96, 00186 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.casabrigidaroma.it/ The motherhouse of the Bridgettine Sisters, located in the 15th-century palazzo where Saint Bridget of Sweden lived and died (1350–1373). Elegant rooms, rooftop terrace overlooking Piazza Farnese with views to Saint Peter's, and authentic monastic hospitality in the historic center. Fraterna Domus 📍 Address: Via di Monte Brianzo 62, 00186 Rome 🌐 Website: https://fraternadomus.it/ Simple, affordable accommodation between the Tiber and Piazza Navona, run by religious sisters. Features chapel, restaurant open to the public (closed Thursdays), and excellent central location. Eleven o'clock curfew. Five minutes to Piazza Navona, fifteen to Saint Peter's. Saint Joseph Guest House – Trinità dei Monti 📍 Address: Piazza della Trinità dei Monti 3, 00187 Rome 🌐 Website: https://trinitadeimonti.net/en/saint-joseph-guest-house/ Guest house in an exceptional location at the top of the Spanish Steps, with spiritual animation by the Emmanuel Community and stunning views over Rome. The 16th-century convent contains artistic treasures including anamorphic frescoes. Note: Staff primarily French-speaking. Teutonic Order Guest House 📍 Address: Via Nomentana 421, 00162 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.gaestehaus-rom.it/en/ Affordable pilgrim accommodation in a peaceful Art Nouveau villa with Mediterranean garden, operated by the ancient Teutonic Order of knights. German-speaking house with 24 rooms; outside the historic center but well-connected by bus to Termini (20 minutes).

3-Star Hotels

Hotel Sant'Anna ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Borgo Pio 133, 00193 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.santannahotel.net/ 🔗 Booking.com: sant-anna-roma Charming boutique hotel in a 16th-century building on the pedestrian Via Borgo Pio, just 200 meters from Saint Peter's Basilica. Twenty elegant rooms with coffered ceilings, courtyard garden, and excellent breakfast. The quiet, restaurant-lined street is ideal for evening strolls. Hotel Gerber ⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Via degli Scipioni 241, 00192 Rome 🔗 Booking.com: gerber Family-run hotel in the Prati district, a 15-minute walk from the Vatican Museums. Clean, comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and good value in an authentic Roman neighborhood with local restaurants and shops.

4-Star Hotels

Hotel Columbus ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Via della Conciliazione 33, 00193 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.hotelcolumbusrome.it/ 🔗 Booking.com: columbus Historic hotel in a 15th-century palazzo that once housed the College of Cardinals, directly on the avenue leading to Saint Peter's Square. Features Pinturicchio frescoes in the restaurant La Veranda, peaceful garden courtyard, and 92 rooms with views toward the basilica. Five minutes' walk to Saint Peter's. Starhotels Michelangelo ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Via della Stazione di San Pietro 14, 00165 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/michelangelo-rome/ 🔗 Booking.com: starhotels-michelangelo-rome Modern hotel facing the Vatican walls, a 10-minute walk from Saint Peter's Square. Rooftop terrace restaurant with panoramic views, 179 rooms, and convenient access to Roma San Pietro station for day trips.

5-Star Hotels

Hotel de Russie (Rocco Forte) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Via del Babuino 9, 00187 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie/ 🔗 Booking.com: de-russie Luxurious hotel between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, featuring the celebrated Secret Garden—a terraced oasis of roses, orange trees, and fountains. Le Jardin de Russie restaurant, Stravinskij Bar, and De Russie Spa. A favorite of artists and dignitaries since the 19th century. Ten minutes' walk to the Vatican. Hotel Hassler Roma ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📍 Address: Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6, 00187 Rome 🌐 Website: https://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/ 🔗 Booking.com: hassler-roma Iconic hotel crowning the Spanish Steps since 1893, offering unrivaled views over Rome from its rooftop Imàgo restaurant (Michelin-starred). Elegant rooms, impeccable service, and proximity to Trinità dei Monti church.

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🚗 Getting There

By Air: Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci, FCO) lies 30 km southwest of the city center, connected by the Leonardo Express train to Termini Station (32 minutes). Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), 15 km southeast, primarily serves budget airlines and connects to Termini by bus. By Train: Roma Termini is the main railway hub, with high-speed connections throughout Italy and beyond. From Milan: 3 hours; from Florence: 1.5 hours; from Naples: 1 hour 10 minutes. Roma Tiburtina serves as a secondary station for some high-speed routes. By Car: The A1 Autostrada del Sole connects Rome with Florence (280 km, 3 hours) and Naples (230 km, 2.5 hours). The Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA) ring road circles the city. Parking in the centro storico is extremely limited; use peripheral lots with metro access. Within Rome: The Metro system has three lines: Line A (red) serves the Vatican area, Spanish Steps, and San Giovanni in Laterano; Line B (blue) serves Termini, Colosseum, and San Paolo fuori le Mura; Line C extends to eastern suburbs. ATAC buses reach all pilgrimage sites. The traditional Seven Churches pilgrimage covers approximately 20 km on foot.

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📚 Further Reading

Books: George Weigel, Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches – Comprehensive guide to Rome's Lenten station churches with theological reflections, historical context, and artistic analysis. June Hager, Pilgrimage: A Chronicle of Christianity through the Churches of Rome – Historical overview of Rome's churches and their significance in Christian tradition. Frank J. Korn, A Catholic's Guide to Rome: Discovering the Soul of the Eternal City – Religious-focused travel guide covering familiar and lesser-known sites from a Catholic perspective. Herbert L. Kessler and Johanna Zacharias, Rome 1300: On the Path of the Pilgrim – Academic study of medieval Rome as pilgrimage destination with analysis of sacred art and architecture. Timothy Egan, A Pilgrimage to Eternity: From Canterbury to Rome in Search of a Faith – Personal journey along the Via Francigena with historical and spiritual reflections. Articles & Online Resources: The Catholic Traveler's Guide to Rome – Comprehensive online guide covering Catholic day tours, pilgrim churches, papal audiences, and practical information. Reflections on My Pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year – Personal testimony of spiritual experience during Jubilee pilgrimage with practical insights. 10 Tips for Catholics Visiting Rome – Practical advice for Catholic pilgrims including church etiquette and spiritual preparation.

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🎥 Recommended Videos

The Seven Classic Catholic Pilgrimage Churches of Rome by Augustinian Thomist – Full narrated 4K documentary touring all seven classic pilgrimage churches: St Peter's, St Paul Outside the Walls, St John Lateran, St Sebastian, St Lawrence, St Mary Major, and Holy Cross in Jerusalem. The Seven Churches – A Classical Roman Pilgrimage by Vatican News – First episode of a seven-part series exploring the history, art, architecture, and spiritual wealth of Rome's pilgrim churches, beginning with St. Peter's Basilica. Rome's Hidden Churches: A Lenten Pilgrimage by EWTN – Dr. Timothy O'Donnell explores Rome's Lenten station churches, revealing the hidden history of these sacred sites in a multi-part series.

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🔗 Useful Links

Diocese of Rome – Official website of the Pope's diocese with parish information and diocesan news. Jubilee 2025 – Official Holy Year website with pilgrimage registration, event calendar, and practical information. Rome Public Transport (ATAC) – Metro, bus, and tram schedules, route planning, and ticket information. Italian Tourism Board – Rome – General tourist information, events, and visitor resources.

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🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations

Subiaco (70 km east) – The cradle of Benedictine monasticism, where Saint Benedict lived as a hermit and founded his first monasteries before departing for Monte Cassino. The Sacro Speco (Holy Cave) remains a powerful pilgrimage site built into the mountainside where Benedict spent three years in solitary prayer. Mentorella / Guadagnolo (55 km east) – One of Italy's oldest Marian shrines, perched at 1,218 meters in the Prenestini Mountains. According to tradition, the Emperor Constantine's son was baptized here. Pope John Paul II made frequent private pilgrimages to this remote sanctuary. Nettuno (60 km south) – The resting place of Saint Maria Goretti, the young martyr of purity canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950. Her incorrupt body lies in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace. Monte Cassino (130 km southeast) – The motherhouse of Benedictine monasticism, founded by Saint Benedict around 529 AD. The abbey was destroyed by Lombard invaders in 577, by an earthquake in 1349, and by Allied bombing in February 1944; each time the monks rebuilt. It remains one of the most significant monastic sites in Christendom. Assisi (175 km north) – The birthplace of Saints Francis and Clare, with the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis and numerous Franciscan holy sites drawing millions of pilgrims annually. Loreto (280 km northeast) – Home to the Holy House of Nazareth, where according to tradition the Blessed Virgin Mary received the Annunciation. One of the most important Marian shrines in the Catholic world.

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🥾 Pilgrim Routes

Via Francigena – The ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, first documented in 990 AD by Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury, spans approximately 2,000 kilometers over 90 days of walking. Most modern pilgrims walk the Italian section (1,000 km, 45 days) or popular shorter segments:

• Lucca to Rome: 419 km, approximately 20 days
• Siena to Rome: 280 km, approximately 14 days
• Viterbo to Rome: 110 km, approximately 5–6 days
• Montefiascone to Rome: 100 km, approximately 5 days

The Testimonium: Pilgrims who walk at least 100 kilometers (or cycle 200 km) with a stamped credential can receive the Testimonium, the official certificate of completion. The credential (credenziale) costs €5–8 from the European Association of Vie Francigene (viefrancigene.org) and provides 10% discounts on regional trains. Collect stamps at churches, hostels, and municipal offices along the way. The Testimonium is issued at Saint Peter's Basilica sacristy or the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi office (Via della Conciliazione). The final stage typically follows the ancient Via Cassia through La Storta—where Saint Ignatius of Loyola had his famous vision of Christ saying "I will be favorable to you in Rome"—before entering the Eternal City and completing the journey at Saint Peter's tomb Seven Churches Pilgrimage – Rome's own traditional pilgrim route, formalized by Saint Philip Neri in the 16th century. This 20-kilometer circuit visits the four major papal basilicas and three additional ancient churches, traditionally completed on foot in a single day of prayer and penance. The route connects the spiritual geography of Christian Rome from the Vatican to the Via Appia.

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🪶 Closing Reflection

"The sincere and steadfast faith of Peter, the great and universal heart of Paul will help us to be joyful Christians, faithful to the Gospel and open to the encounter with everyone."

— Pope Francis, Angelus on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, 29 June 2016