At 7pm on December 24, the Catholic world will be abuzz with activity. A few hours before the Christmas mass he will celebrate, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, marking the start of the Jubilee 2025, a major celebration for Catholics that takes place every 25 years. Up to 40 million pilgrims - including 800,000 from France - could flock to Rome for this celebration, which takes place every 25 years. Is this a unique opportunity to visit Rome? Or will you have to avoid the city and the crowds?
"One thing's for sure: it's going to be very crowded"
As Cédric Bloquet, a tour operator specializing in pilgrimages and other spiritual sojourns, explains, "this is an event of global proportions. Rome is an eternal destination that will always attract people. In 2025, it's going to present itself in a new way that's well worth experiencing. As long as you know what you're getting into, and are aware that it's going to be very busy, that's for sure."
Until January 6, 2026, when the Jubilee comes to an end, hundreds of events will punctuate the daily lives of Romans. Processions, concerts, masses, themed tours. .. "there will be unique things to experience ", assures Cédric Bloquet. And this will have a very tangible impact on tourism. "Access to St. Peter's Basilica, for example, will undoubtedly require more patience than usual.
Read more: What to do and see in Rome? The 21 must-sees and What to do with children in Rome? Top 15 activities
"There will be constraints to be aware of"
"There will be constraints to be aware of", adds Cédric Bloquet. Accessibility of religious sites, reorganized tourist attractions, security arrangements... Rome will live to the rhythm of the Jubilee for a year, just as Paris lived to the rhythm of the Olympic and Paralympic Games for three months.
"But this kind of event is positive for a traveller"
So, yes, there will be crowds and yes, the streets will be busy. But it's going to be a great experience. All the more so as the religious nature of the event prevents any price explosion that might have been generated by this surge in demand. " One of the challenges we faced was how to organize this event at a price affordable to as many people as possible", says Cédric Bloquet. A support fund has also been set up to help pilgrims wishing to travel to Rome make ends meet.
So, tempted by a trip to Rome for the Jubilee 2025? Check out our Top 15 free things to do in Rome and How to visit Rome in 3 days? Itinerary tips.
