Rome welcomed a record number of pilgrims - 33.5 million people for the Catholic Holy Year
About 33.5 million pilgrims came to Rome in 2025 for the Catholic Holy Year, Vatican and Italian officials said, marking a record number of annual visitors and a boon for local tourist shops, museums and restaurants.
Holy years, or jubilees, usually occur every 25 years and are considered a time of peace, forgiveness, and mercy. Pilgrims to Rome can enter special "Holy Doors" at four of Rome's basilicas and can see the Pope in special audiences throughout the year.
Officials said 3.7 billion euros in state and European funds have been spent on repairing tourist sites. The year, during which Catholics can also gain a special indulgence, or forgiveness of sins, ends today (Tuesday).
Visitors over the past 12 months came from 185 countries, officials said, with pilgrims from Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland leading the pack.
The 2025 Jubilee was marked by a historical rarity not seen in 300 years. It was opened by a pope, Francis, and closed on Tuesday during a formal ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica by his successor, Leo.
Hundreds of Jubilee construction projects will continue in Rome beyond the end of the Holy Year. The continuation of the works has angered some residents and left some visitors feeling unsatisfied because various tourist attractions were hidden behind scaffolding for many months.
Many tenants in Rome were also left frustrated, as landlords sought to take advantage of short-term rentals for pilgrims.
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