How many pilgrims attended the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year?

An estimated 33,475,369 pilgrims participated in the 2025 Holy Year events.

What public works were completed for Rome's Holy Year?

Approximately 4 billion euros funded 110 completed public works, including a new pedestrian piazza and an underground traffic tunnel.

Why was the 2025 Holy Year considered unique?

It was unique because it was opened by Pope Francis and closed by his successor, Pope Leo XIV.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Vatican's Holy Year Draws 33M, Ends with Papal Transition

Vatican's Holy Year Draws 33M, Ends with Papal Transition

5 Jan

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Summary

Over 33 million pilgrims attended the Vatican's 2025 Holy Year.
A dispute arose over the style of fountains for a public works project.
This Holy Year was opened by one pope and closed by another.

Vatican's Holy Year Draws 33M, Ends with Papal Transition

The Vatican has finalized its accounting for the 2025 Holy Year, reporting that over 33 million pilgrims participated. This significant Jubilee, a tradition dating back centuries, saw Pope Leo XIV officially close it by shutting the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, marking a rare occasion where one pope opened the event and another closed it.

Rome utilized nearly 4 billion euros in public funds for long-delayed projects aimed at modernizing the city. Of 117 planned public works, 110 were completed, including a major pedestrian piazza and an underground traffic tunnel. The most notable point of contention involved the design of two fountains for the new Piazza Pia, with Vatican organizer Archbishop Rino Fisichella disagreeing with Mayor Roberto Gualtieri's aesthetic choices.