Christian Pilgrimage

The Journey from Ancient Devotion to Modern Rome and the 2025 Jubilee

Throughout Christian history pilgrimage has represented a journey that is both physical and spiritual, a pathway connecting believers to sacred sites steeped in tradition and faith. For many Christians, pilgrimage is a transformative experience, an opportunity for renewal, devotion, and community. Among all destinations, Rome holds a singular place, embodying centuries of Christian heritage. Rome has always held a special place for Christian pilgrims as it is the heart of the Catholic Church and holds the promise of communion with saints and holy relics. As the 2025 Jubilee gets closer, Rome’s importance as a pilgrimage destination has reached new heights, drawing visitors worldwide to its holy doors and historic landmarks.

The Origins of Christian Pilgrimage

In the earliest centuries of Christianity, there was no formal practice of pilgrimage, mostly because the Roman Empire was actively persecuting Christianity. Early Christians did however revere places associated with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jerusalem soon became the focal point where brave early Christians could visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on what is believed to be the site of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Luckily in the early 4th century BC things would change drastically. In 313 AD Emperor Constantine passed the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity and ordered the construction of sacred Christian sites across the Roman Empire. Constantine’s mother, St. Helena, was a devout Christian and she became one of the earliest recorded pilgrims, traveling to Jerusalem as she is said to have discovered the True Cross and brought many sacred relics back to Rome. This spurred the construction of monumental churches on sites associated with Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, transforming Christian pilgrimage from a small idea into a much broader tradition.

During the Middle Ages, Christian pilgrimage became a widespread and structured practice. Major pilgrimage routes developed, and many Europeans embarked on pilgrimages for various spiritual reasons, often as penance for sins, to seek healing, or to express deep religious devotion.
The Crusades had a significant impact on Christian pilgrimage. Muslim control over Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land in the 11th century led to conflicts that spurred the First Crusade (1096–1099), which aimed to regain control of the holy sites for Christian pilgrims. Though pilgrims continued to travel to the Holy Land, the crusades complicated the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, leading many to alternative destinations like Rome. The tombs of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome became major centers of veneration, as did the Camino de Santiago, marking the site where St. James the Apostle was believed to be buried. During the Middle Ages, pilgrimage took on greater structure and popularity. It became an act of faith and devotion and an opportunity for atonement, healing, and communal gathering. 

Pilgrimages seem to have lost some importance during the Renaissance and following years but in the modern period, pilgrimage in Christianity saw a resurgence, particularly within the Catholic tradition. The development of new pilgrimage sites, often associated with Marian apparitions or saints, became much more common.

Today, Christian pilgrimage continues to be a vital aspect of faith for many believers. Pilgrims visit traditional sites like the Holy Land, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela, while modern shrines such as those at Lourdes and Fatima attract large numbers as well. Pilgrimage has become more accessible with modern transportation, and it remains a personal and communal journey of faith, devotion, and sometimes physical challenge, as in the case of the Camino de Santiago.

The Evolution of Pilgrimage to Rome

Rome’s stature in Christian pilgrimage history is unparalleled. It is the burial place of Peter and Paul, two of the most venerated Christian figures martyred for their faith. As the Catholic Church grew Rome became the seat of the pope which only strengthened its significance as a spiritual center. For centuries pilgrims have traveled to Rome to visit the city’s four major basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Each of these basilicas has served as a place of pilgrimage, penance, and deep devotion. Pilgrims also visit Rome’s early Christian catacombs, the ancient burial places of early Christians and martyrs who remained steadfast during Roman persecution.

Rome continued to grow in popularity, even as religious reform in the 16th century impacted pilgrimage across Europe. The Catholic Reformation reaffirmed pilgrimage’s role in the Catholic faith, leading to a revival of interest in pilgrimage to Rome, especially during the Jubilee Years.

Modern Pilgrimage to Rome

In recent decades pilgrimage to Rome has flourished, blending deep religious and historical tradition with modern accessibility and comfort. Today, Rome offers a pilgrimage experience that honors centuries-old practices while welcoming modern seekers from around the world. Pilgrims come to visit its iconic sites, participate in papal audiences, attend masses, and join spiritual retreats.

Key Modern Pilgrimage Destinations in Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square:

For many St. Peter’s Basilica is the central reason for pilgrimage. Built over the tomb of St. Peter, the basilica offers a spiritual connection to the apostle and the early Church. Visitors often attend papal audiences and masses in St. Peter’s Square, especially on major feast days.

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls:

As the resting place of St. Paul this basilica is a powerful site for pilgrims honoring the Apostle of the Gentiles, whose letters helped shape early Christian doctrine.

Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs):

These stairs, brought to Rome from Jerusalem, are said to be the stairs Jesus climbed before his trial under Pontius Pilate. The Scala Sancta is ascended by pilgrims on their knees as an act of penance and devotion.

The Catacombs:

Early Christian catacombs, like San Callisto and San Sebastiano, offer pilgrims a glimpse into the early Church’s resilience under persecution. Walking through these underground passages serves as a connection to the faith of early martyrs.

Modern Rome also sees a significant number of young pilgrims, especially during World Youth Day celebrations, who gather to express their faith collectively. Walking the Via Francigena from Canterbury, England, to Rome has also gained popularity, offering a journey that echoes medieval pilgrimage routes.

The 2025 Jubilee: A New Chapter in Rome’s Pilgrimage Tradition

The upcoming 2025 Jubilee, proclaimed by Pope Francis, will be a pivotal moment for Christian pilgrimage. The theme of next year’s Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope,” which encourages reflection on themes of peace, solidarity, and renewal. Millions of pilgrims are expected to come to Rome seeking blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual rebirth.

The upcoming Jubilee year promises to bring pilgrims of all ages together in a vibrant display of faith and unity. While many will be lifelong pilgrims, others may be experiencing their first journey to Rome, perhaps driven by a desire to reconnect with faith or explore Christianity’s rich heritage. As the doors of Rome open in 2025 to welcome millions the city will again become a crossroads of cultures and generations, bound by the shared hope of renewal and spiritual growth. Pilgrimage to Rome during the Jubilee is both a journey to the heart of the Catholic Church and a timeless expression of faith that spans centuries.

Whether visiting Rome for ancient relics, historic basilicas, or the promise of the Holy Door, modern pilgrims find themselves part of a tradition that links them to countless Christians who have sought, in their journeys, the profound impact of faith, hope, and divine grace. We can’t wait to see you here and help you with this wonderful experience.