Overview: The Vatican’s Jubilee Year 2025 for Refugees and Migrants
The Holy See is preparing a distinctive Jubilee Year in 2025 that centers on refugees and migrants. Held at the heart of Rome, the observance brings together bishops, clergy, and laypeople to emphasize hospitality, dignity, and solidarity with those who have been displaced. The schedule announced for October 4–5, 2025 highlights two major liturgical moments led by a pope referred to in the program as Pope Leo XIV, along with a public gathering that places the plight and hope of refugees and asylum seekers at the center of Catholic witness.
October 4, Saturday — Special Jubilee Catechesis at 10:00 a.m.
On the morning of October 4, the Jubilee begins with a special catechesis delivered by Pope Leo XIV. Those who are marked as participants in the Jubilee, including displaced workers and refugees, are invited to join a solemn rite that culminates in entering through the Holy Doors to receive Holy Communion. The liturgical setting underscores the Church’s call to welcome the vulnerable and to recognize their inherent dignity within the universal family of God. The event is presented as a moment of encounter, prayer, and shared faith that transcends borders and backgrounds.
October 5, Sunday — Jubilee Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. and People’s Day at Castel Sant’Angelo Gardens
Sunday’s schedule centers on a Jubilee Liturgy, again under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rome local time. The liturgy reinforces the theme of mercy toward refugees and asylum seekers, inviting the faithful to pray for lasting solutions and safer futures for those who have left their homes in search of safety and opportunity. At noon, the People’s Day marks a national and international reflection on displacement, hosted at the Castel Sant’Angelo gardens. The venue offers a meaningful backdrop for a conversation about welcome, resilience, and the shared responsibilities of host communities and nations.
Why the Jubilee Matters for Refugees and Migrants
The Jubilee Year in 2025 is more than a series of ceremonies; it is a concrete expression of the Catholic commitment to the vulnerable. By centering events on refugees and asylum seekers, the Vatican calls on parishes, charities, and governments to translate compassion into action — from shelter and legal aid to dignified work opportunities and inclusive communities. The language of the prayers and homilies during these days emphasizes hospitality, accompaniment, and a rejection of indifference in favor of solidarity that spans continents.
What to Expect for Attendees and Visitors
Participants can anticipate a careful blend of prayer, teaching, and public witness. The October 4 catechesis and October 5 liturgy are designed to be accessible to all ages and backgrounds, with translations and aids available for international pilgrims. Security, transit, and accessibility arrangements are typically coordinated by Vatican authorities in collaboration with city services to facilitate a reverent yet welcoming experience for visitors from around the world. Those attending the Noon event at Castel Sant’Angelo Gardens should be prepared for an outdoor program with cultural and pastoral elements that celebrate the resilience and hope of displaced communities.
Practical Notes for Passholders
For parish groups and individual pilgrims planning to participate, it is advisable to monitor official Vatican communications for the latest entry guidelines, dress codes, and scheduling adjustments. Given the significance of the Jubilee focus, visitors should also allow extra time for security checks and buffer periods between events. The overarching message remains clear: the Church’s witness during the Jubilee Year is a pledge to walk with the vulnerable, advocate for just policies, and celebrate the humanity shared by all people, regardless of origin.
