(ZENIT News / Rome, 02.08.2025).- Just weeks of the beginning the Jubilee of Hope, more than 1.3 million pilgrims have crossed the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a powerful start to the Holy Year. The figure, covering the period from December 25, 2024, to February 7, 2025, was announced by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, during the presentation of the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at the Vatican.
The Holy Year officially began on Christmas Eve when Pope Francis presided over Mass in St. Peter’s Square and then performed the solemn rite of opening the Holy Door. This ancient tradition, repeated only once every 25 years—or during extraordinary jubilees—symbolizes a path of renewal and grace for the faithful.
Beyond Numbers: The Meaning of the Jubilee
Despite the impressive statistics, Archbishop Fisichella emphasized that the success of the Jubilee is not measured in numbers. «What truly matters is what people carry in their hearts,» he stated, underlining that the spiritual impact of the event goes far beyond mere attendance figures.
Traditionally, Holy Doors are present in Rome’s four papal basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. However, this Jubilee features a unique addition—Pope Francis opened an extra Holy Door in Rebibbia, a Roman prison, as a gesture of inclusion and mercy.
A Pilgrimage of Hope
By January 7, just two weeks into the Jubilee, Vatican officials had already recorded over 545,000 people crossing the Holy Door of St. Peter’s. The growing number of pilgrims reflects a deep longing for spiritual renewal after years of global uncertainty.
As the Jubilee of Hope continues throughout 2025, 32 millions more are expected to make their way to Rome, seeking not just tradition but transformation.
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