Welcome to the Jubilee 2025 Holy Year!
Last week, Pope Francis announced the solemn indiction of the Jubilee 2025, and now the Apostolic Penitentiary has released a Decree outlining the details of the Indulgences that will be granted during this special Holy Year.
Written by: Christopher Wells
The Catholic faithful have a variety of ways to earn the Jubilee Indulgence for the 2025 Holy Year, as outlined in the new Decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary – the Vatican Office responsible for granting and overseeing the use of indulgences.
After the Second Vatican Council, Pope St Paul VI explained that an indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven by God. This grace is obtained under specific conditions through the Church’s authority to dispense the merits of Christ and the saints. Indulgences can be either plenary (full) or partial, depending on the extent of the remission of punishment for sin.
Becoming Pilgrims of Hope
In line with Pope Francis’ call for all Christians to become “pilgrims” of hope, the Decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary aims to inspire faithful souls and cultivate a devout desire to receive the Jubilee Indulgence as a special grace of the Holy Year.
Hope, the Decree emphasizes, is a virtue that stems primarily from God’s grace and mercy. The Jubilee Indulgence is a means of experiencing the boundless mercy of God, reflecting the Pope’s message that it is a way to discover the unlimited nature of His mercy.
The Decree affirms that all other indulgences remain valid, but it establishes three main avenues to earn the Jubilee Indulgence: pilgrimages to sacred sites, visits to sacred places, and acts of mercy and penance.
Pilgrimages
The first category of Jubilee places includes the four Major Papal Basilicas in Rome, the Basilicas of the Holy Land, Cathedrals, and other designated sacred places. To obtain the Indulgence, participants must devoutly attend Mass, join in liturgical celebrations, or engage in prayer services at these sites.
Visits to Sacred Places
The second category involves visits to additional sacred locations such as specific churches in Rome, Marian sanctuaries in Italy, and other distinguished places designated by local bishops. Devotees are encouraged to spend time in prayer, meditation, and recitation of traditional prayers while visiting these sites.
If physical pilgrimage is not possible, individuals can spiritually unite with those who are making the journey and offer prayers and sacrifices in lieu of their personal presence.
Works of Mercy and Penance
Lastly, the Decree allows for earning the Indulgence through acts of mercy and penance. These may include participating in spiritual activities, assisting those in need, offering penitential acts, donating to charitable causes, or volunteering in support of worthy initiatives.
Priests are invited to be generous in providing opportunities for Reconciliation and guiding penitents towards true repentance and healing. The Decree mandates that both Bishops and priests fulfill their roles as spiritual guides and educators in implementing the provisions for the sanctification of the faithful.
For a detailed explanation of the Jubilee Indulgence and its conditions, visit the Holy See website to access the full text of the Decree from the Apostolic Penitentiary.
