A Simple Guide to Learn How to Receive a Plenary Indulgence at the Basilica during the 2025 Worldwide Holy Year
Pope Francis has invited Catholics from across the world to make a pilgrimage to Rome during the Worldwide Holy Year 2025, also known as a Jubilee Year, which has as its theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Click here to find out more information on this Jubilee Year. In Rome, Catholics will be able to obtain a plenary indulgence by making a pilgrimage to any holy place designated by the Holy Father. A plenary indulgence during the Holy Year remits all the temporal punishment which is required to be served in purgatory, allowing a penitent to go directly to heaven if they die in a state of grace.
The following schedule will be helpful to know during your visit to the Basilica:
In God’s ineffable providence, our parish celebrates its 230th anniversary, making 2025 a very special year for our Basilica and for the Church Universal. Click here to learn more about any upcoming celebratory events at the Basilica.
Background on the 2025 Worldwide Holy Year
On May 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, Pope Francis officially announced the Ordinary Jubilee Year of 2025. The Worldwide Holy Year webpage can be found here. It includes various resources, such as a calendar of events, plenary indulgence information, and the official Holy Year hymn and prayers.
A special tradition in the Catholic Church is the celebration of a Jubilee Year every quarter of a century. This tradition dates back to 1300 when Pope Boniface VIII instituted the first Holy Year. At that time Jubilee Years were celebrated every 100 years. Eventually, the interval was shortened to 25.
In his February 2022 letter announcing the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis stated the following. “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire.”