The Vatican City is abuzz with excitement as it crosses a key milestone in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee. The official decree establishing the Holy Year is set to be promulgated on Thursday, marking the beginning of a once-every-quarter-century event that is expected to draw 32 million pilgrims to Rome.
Pope Francis will lead a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica for the formal reading of the papal bull, setting the spiritual theme of hope for the year. The final seven-month dash of preparations and public works projects will culminate on Dec. 24 when Francis opens the basilica’s Holy Door to inaugurate the Jubilee.
The Holy Year tradition dates back to 1300, with pilgrims visiting the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul to receive indulgences for the forgiveness of their sins. For Rome, the event presents an opportunity to revitalize the city with 4 billion euros in public funds allocated for long-delayed projects.
Despite the excitement, Romans have faced months of headaches due to the overwhelming pre-Jubilee public works projects. Flood-lit construction sites, rerouted boulevards, and traffic congestion have become a common sight in the Eternal City. The Tiber riverfront is off-limits as new parks are being created, piazzas repaved, and bike paths laid out.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has assured that the projects will be completed on time, with an additional 1,000 taxi licenses approved to ease transportation woes. While progress has been made, only two out of 231 city projects have been completed so far, with more expected to be started in the coming months.
As the city races against the clock to prepare for the Jubilee, the anticipation and challenges continue to mount. The 2025 Holy Year promises to be a transformative event for both the Vatican and the city of Rome.