By Tessa Gervasini
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Feb 13, 2025 / 07:30 am
Ever since Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee Year, a staggering 1.3 million individuals have crossed the threshold of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This remarkable milestone was shared by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect for the New Evangelization section of the Dicastery for Evangelization, during a press conference for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces on February 7.
While acknowledging the impressive number of pilgrims, Archbishop Fisichella emphasized that the essence of the jubilee lies in the spiritual impact on people’s hearts rather than mere statistics.
Traditionally, Holy Doors are designated only in the four papal basilicas in Rome. However, this Jubilee Year saw a unique addition with Pope Francis opening a Holy Door at Rebibbia prison in Rome.
Aside from the allure of the Holy Doors, various factors have contributed to the surge in visitors to Rome and other parts of Italy for the ongoing celebration. Teresa Tomeo, an Italy travel expert and veteran anchor of the EWTN Radio show “Catholic Connection,” highlighted the enduring popularity of Italy as a travel destination.
Tomeo noted that travelers are increasingly seeking transformative experiences, making Italy with its rich religious heritage and natural beauty a perfect setting for personal growth and change.
