Jubilee 2025 marks a significant moment not only for the religious community but also for enthusiasts of history, art, and culture. This celebration, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Catholic Church, stands out for its ability to merge religion and culture, offering a rich an extensive variety of initiatives throughout Italy, with particular emphasis on Rome. In this article, we will explore two prominent cultural events that perfectly embody this message: the VII Edition “100 Presepi in Vaticano” (100 Cribs at the Vatican) and the Exhibition “Chagall in Rome – The White Crucifixion“. These initiatives, integral to the «Jubilee is Culture» program, demonstrate that the Jubilee transcends purely religious celebrations, embracing a cultural and artistic dimension that enriches the global community.

Jubilee 2025: beyond faith

Jubilee 2025 is not limited to being a religious celebration; it is a true cultural event that encompasses various forms of art and intellectual initiatives. Across Italy, and particularly in Rome, numerous activities have taken place, showcasing the Catholic Church’s commitment to promoting values of hope, unity, and intercultural dialogue. These experiences reflect the essence of the Jubilee as an opportunity to reflect, reconcile, and renew oneself both spiritually and culturally.

VII Edition “100 Cribs in the Vatican”

  • Inauguration
    The VII Edition “100 Presepi in Vaticano” (100 Cribs at the Vatican) was one of the most anticipated cultural events linked to Jubilee 2025. The inauguration took place on December 8, 2024, at 4:00 PM at the left Colonnade of Bernini in St. Peter’s Square, Rome. This unique exhibition celebrates the Christmas tradition through the art of nativity scenes, offering visitors a showcase of 125 nativity scenes from around the world.

  • Exhibition
    The nativity scenes on display were inspired by the theme “Hope that does not fail”, chosen by the Papal Bull of Indiction for Jubilee 2025. Artists from various nationalities, including France, the United States, Brazil, Japan, Venezuela, Poland, Costa Rica, and many others, contributed with unique creations made from innovative materials such as Japanese paper, silk, coconut, banana, and resin. This materials and stylistic diversity consistently reflects the universality of the Jubilee’s message of hope.

  • Special events and unique features
    During the exhibition, a Christmas concert performed by the Chateaubriand School of Music Choir and the Musical Band of the Vatican State Gendarmerie created an atmosphere of festivity and reflection. Among the unique features of the exhibition stand out:

    • “Jubilee Boat“: a nativity scene homage to the Jubilee logo, created in Florence, symbolizing the spiritual journey toward hope.
    • Japanese nativity scene: made with traditional materials such as Japanese paper, silk kimono, and tatami mats, in collaboration with Expo Osaka 2025, representing the meeting of different cultures.
    • Neapolitan nativity scene: created in wood and bark by the Caserta section of Unione Italiana Ciechi (Italian Union of the Blind), expressing Neapolitan artisanal tradition while integrating important elements of social inclusion.

  • A tribute to tradition and innovation
    The “100 Cribs at the Vatican” exhibition is a celebration of artisanal tradition and artistic innovation. In “normal” years, this initiative is already a well-established event in the Vatican, but during the Holy Year, it has taken on an even deeper meaning, emphasizing the importance of hope and reconciliation through art. Many of the nativity scenes were crafted using unique materials and innovative techniques, making each piece a special symbol of creativity and faith.

Exhibition “Chagall in Rome – the White Crucifixion”

  • Location and Dates
    On the occasion of Jubilee 2025, the Dicastery for Evangelization inaugurated the fourth stage of the cultural series «Jubilee is Culture» with the exhibition of the renowned White Crucifixion by Marc Chagall. This initiative underscores the Catholic Church’s commitment to promoting cultural events that foster interreligious dialogue and social inclusion, seamlessly integrating faith and culture. The exhibition “Chagall in Rome – The White Crucifixion” was held at Palazzo Cipolla, Via del Corso 320, Rome, from November 27, 2024, to January 27, 2025.

  • Chagall’s Masterpiece
    At the center of the exhibition is The White Crucifixion (1938), a masterpiece by Marc Chagall from the Art Institute of Chicago. This artwork is a powerful symbol of hope and religious unity, depicting the suffering of Christ and the Jewish people during the 1930s and the devastation of pogroms. The portrayal of Christ with a prayer shawl and the message of interfaith dialogue highlight the importance of coexistence and mutual understanding.

  • Spiritual significance and the Pope’s presence
    The White Crucifixion invites profound meditation on the mystery of the Cross, symbolizing hope, redemption, and victory over death. The scenes of destruction, with burning houses, violence, and death, integrated with Jewish symbols like the Menorah and the Torah, emphasize the message of suffering and resilience. This artwork becomes a call for peace and reconciliation, fundamental values of the Jubilee of Hope.

    On the occasion of the exhibition’s inauguration, Pope Francis personally visited Via del Corso unexpectedly after the traditional prayer moment to Immaculate Mary in Piazza di Spagna, to closely admire Chagall’s masterpiece. His presence underlines the significance of this artwork not only for the artistic community but also for its message of hope and interreligious unity. This gesture strengthens the bond between art and spirituality, highlighting the importance of art as a vehicle for profound and universal messages.

The importance of cultural events for Jubilee 2025

The cultural events of Jubilee 2025 enrich the celebrations with a blend of traditional and contemporary art, promoting intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The VII Edition “100 Cribs at the Vatican” and the exhibition “Chagall in Rome – the White Crucifixion” represent fundamental milestones of this journey, offering the faithful and visitors moments of reflection, inspiration, and spiritual renewal.
These initiatives, part of the «Jubilee is Culture» program, testify to the Catholic Church’s commitment to promoting values of hope, unity, and inclusion, which go beyond purely religious dimensions, making Jubilee 2025 a memorable and significant event for all.

Important dates in March – Jubilee 2025

In March 2025, several special celebrations of the Jubilee will take place. Here are the most important dates you cannot miss:

  • March 8-9, 2025
    Jubilee of the World of Volunteering.

  • March 28, 2025
    Prayer initiative “24 hours for the Lord”.

  • March 29-30, 2025
    Jubilee of the Missionaries of Mercy.

Discover our Jubilee 2025 Collection!

Discover our Jubilee 2025 Collection!

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