Former Jubilees

The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year or “Anno Santo” in Italian, marks a year a forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, and the receipt of sacrament. More than anything, it symbolizes one’s commitment to God and to Christ. The name Jubilee came from the Jewish term “Yobel” which refers to a goat horn that is to be blown at the start of each jubilee. 

The Jubilee has biblical origins which are laid out in the Old Testament, when the Israelites were commanded to observe the Jubilee year every fifty years. During this year, the land was to be left unsown, debts were to be forgiven and slaves were liberated – all to reinforce the belief that the people were merely stewards for what ultimately belonged to God. The name Jubilee actually came from the Jewish term “Yobel” which refers to a goat horn that is to be blown at the start of each jubilee. 

For Jubilee years as we know them today, the faithful are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to visit the major basilicas in Rome – including St. Peters, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. One significant rituals that occurs during the Jubilee year is the opening of the Holy Doors at each basilica – stepping through these doors represents a passage from sin to grace

The first Jubilee occurred in 1300 AD under the papacy of Pope Boniface VIII.  While the Jubilee year was originally set for every one hundred years, it now occurs every 25 years with the most recent Jubilee happening in 2000 under Pope Giovanni Paolo II. 

The first modern jubilee was in 1950 and marked by the changes in how technology had affected the tourism industry. Plane travel allowed for nearly 2 million pilgrims, by far the highest number of people in history up until that point, to travel to Rome to celebrate the Jubilee. As of now, there have been 25 Jubilees. The 2025 Jubilee year is expected to attract millions of tourists – ranging from those specifically interested in participating in the religious events, as well as those who may want to participate in the other cultural activities offered – such as exhibitions, concerts, and public lectures.