A Catholic Jubilee Year is a special year of grace and renewal in the life of the Church, traditionally marked by pilgrimage, prayer, reconciliation, and acts of mercy. Rooted in biblical tradition, the concept comes from the Old Testament practice described in Leviticus, where every 50th year was set aside as a time of forgiveness, rest, and restoration. In the Catholic Church, Jubilee Years are proclaimed by the Pope and typically occur every 25 years, though extraordinary jubilees can be declared for special occasions. During a Jubilee Year, Catholics are invited to deepen their faith, receive indulgences, and participate more fully in the life of the Church.

The Jubilee Year is centered around the idea of spiritual renewal and reconciliation with God, with others, and within ourselves. It often includes pilgrimage to designated churches, especially the four major basilicas in Rome, as a sign of conversion and penance. The Holy Door of each basilica is opened to symbolize the invitation to enter into God’s mercy. Throughout the Jubilee, the Church emphasizes prayer, confession, acts of charity, and solidarity with the poor and marginalized.

The year 2025 has been declared the Jubilee of Hope by Pope Francis. Coming after a period of global uncertainty, including the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social and political unrest, this Jubilee seeks to rekindle the theological virtue of hope in the hearts of the faithful and the world. Hope is especially needed in a time marked by anxiety, division, and suffering. The theme encourages all people to look to Christ—the true source of hope—and to become beacons of that hope in their families, communities, and beyond. The Jubilee of Hope invites the Church to walk together toward a renewed future, grounded in faith, mercy, and joyful expectation.