Rome’s 2025 Jubilee Year concluded with nearly 33.5 million pilgrims visiting the Eternal City, surpassing Vatican expectations of 31 million and setting an all-time record for the Holy Year celebration. Pilgrims from 185 countries passed through the Holy Doors of papal basilicas to receive plenary indulgence, with Europe contributing 62% of visitors and Italy alone accounting for 36%. The Jubilee of Young People drew over 13 million participants, marking the peak period, while major papal events attracted millions more throughout the year, demonstrating remarkable global engagement with this centuries-old tradition of faith and renewal.
As the Holy Year drew to a close, Vatican officials confirmed that almost 33.5 million pilgrims had traveled to Rome during the Jubilee, marking an all-time record for both the sacred celebration and the city itself. Archbishop Rino Fisichella announced the figure, which exceeded the initial academic projection of around 31 million by Roma Tre University. The pilgrims arrived from 185 countries, demonstrating unprecedented global participation and averaging over 90,000 people per day across the Jubilee period. Many pilgrims also participated in acts of generosity encouraged by Church teachings on wealth and care for the poor.
Record-breaking 33.5 million pilgrims from 185 countries exceeded all projections, averaging over 90,000 arrivals daily throughout the historic Holy Year.
Europe contributed 62% of all pilgrims, making it the most represented continent. Italy accounted for the largest share at approximately 36% of registered participants, followed by the United States at nearly 13% and Spain at about 6%. Brazil and Poland also sent significant contingents, placing them among the top contributing nations.
The Jubilee calendar featured 35 major events throughout the Holy Year. The Jubilee of Young People, held from late July to early August, registered more than 13 million participants and represented the peak period. Vatican audiences and ceremonies led by Pope Francis in the early months drew more than 260,000 participants, while subsequent events presided over by Pope Leo XIV attracted nearly 3 million.
Pilgrims passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and other Papal basilicas to obtain the plenary indulgence central to the Jubilee tradition. Long queues formed at the Holy Door even in adverse weather conditions as the Holy Year neared its end. The door was scheduled to close ceremonially on January 6, with nearly 5,000 volunteers who had assisted pilgrims throughout the year crossing as the final group. Confession rates rose significantly during the Holy Year as pilgrims sought spiritual renewal and deeper personal transformation.
Rome recorded more than 22 million visitors in 2024, with the 33 million Jubilee arrivals representing an extraordinary overlay. City officials noted that many Jubilee pilgrims were counted among tourists despite their distinct religious motivations.
The mayor emphasized that the influx did not reduce the city’s capacity to host regular tourists or serve residents, describing the period as a year of unprecedented tourism that boosted visitor rates at historic and cultural sites. Rome’s prefect highlighted the extensive security efforts, noting that over 70 coordination meetings were held throughout the Holy Year to address security challenges while maintaining a welcoming environment.
