Pilgrimage is a term that evokes images of devotion, reflection, and spiritual connection. In the context of Jubilee 2025, pilgrimage takes on an even deeper meaning, offering the faithful a unique opportunity to visit sacred places, immerse themselves in history, and admire artistic masterpieces. In this article, we will explore together the paths to the 4 Papal Basilicas and the Seven Churches Pilgrimage (or Cammino di San Filippo), highlighting the art, spirituality, and historical significance of these itineraries.

The pilgrimage: meaning and importance

Pilgrimage is not just a physical journey to sacred sites, but an experience of deep spiritual conversion. It is related to the biblical traditions of Abraham, the patriarch who left his land to respond to God’s call, and of Jesus himself, who fulfilled his ministry by traversing lands and hearts.

  • Spiritual meaning
    Pilgrimage represents a path of faith and reflection, an opportunity to draw closer to God through visiting places of great spiritual and historical importance. It is a time to renew one’s faith, meditate on one’s beliefs, and experience personal and spiritual growth.

  • Preparing for the pilgrimage
    Preparing for a pilgrimage does not only mean choosing an itinerary, but also getting spiritually and mentally ready for the journey. It is a time for introspection, prayer, and inner preparation, making pilgrimage a truly transformative experience.

  • Opportunities for spiritual formation
    During Jubilee 2025, dioceses and parishes around the world come together to organize diocesan and national pilgrimages. These events facilitate the physical journey of the faithful, while also offering opportunities for spiritual and communal formation. Pilgrims can participate in moments of collective prayer, meditation, and reflection, strengthening the sense of community and solidarity.

  • Role of volunteers
    Volunteers play a fundamental role in welcoming pilgrims. Warm and available, they assist visitors throughout the journey, offering logistical and spiritual support. Their commitment ensures that each pilgrimage is carried out in a serene and meaningful way, contributing to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

The 4 Papal Basilicas: masterpieces of art and spirituality

The canonical pilgrimage path o the Jubilee consists in walking through the 4 Papal Basilicas of Rome. They are not only places of worship, but also true masterpieces of art and spirituality. Each of them houses priceless treasures and tells a significant part of Christian history. The Holy Doors of the Jubilee are located in each of the four papal basilicas:

  • St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
  • Basilica of St. John Lateran
  • Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
  • Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

You can learn more about the Holy Doors opening ritual in our dedicated article.

  • St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
    St. Peter’s Basilica is the emblem of the Catholic Church and the heart of the Jubilee. Built on the site of the martyrdom and burial of the Apostle Peter, the basilica was commissioned in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine. Great artists such as Bramante, Raffaello, Michelangelo, and Bernini contributed to its majestic structure, completing the internal decoration in 1629. Inside, pilgrims can admire Michelangelo’s Pietà and the magnificent Bernini dome, symbols of devotion and artistic mastery.

  • Basilica of St. John Lateran
    St. John Lateran is the cathedral of the Pope and the oldest of the papal basilicas, with deep historical roots. Originally an area belonging to the Lateran family, donated by Constantine to Pope Melchiades in 313 AD, it was consecrated in 324 by Pope Sylvester I. Over the centuries, the basilica has been transformed and restored several times, including a significant refurbishment in 1650 by Francesco Borromini commissioned by Pope Innocent X. Today, St. John Lateran represents the mother basilica of all churches in the world, a symbol of continuity and tradition.

  • Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
    Santa Maria Maggiore is the oldest Marian sanctuary in the West. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to the patrician John and to Pope Liberius, indicating the place to build the church, marked by an unusual summer snowfall. This event is commemorated with the “Snow of August“, when white petals are made to fall from the basilica’s ceiling during the liturgy. Inside, pilgrims can admire the apse mosaic depicting the Madonna with Child, protector of Rome, and the Marian icon of Salus Populi Romani by Saint Luke the Evangelist. The basilica witnesses important historical events, such as the reception of Saints Cyril and Methodius in 867 and the approval of the use of Old Church Slavonic in the liturgy by Pope Adrian II. In its crypts are buried seven pontiffs, attesting to its spiritual importance.

  • Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
    St. Paul Outside the Walls is built on the site of the martyrdom of the Apostle Paul and represents a monument to faith and Christian devotion. Originally built by Constantine in the 4th century, the original building was replaced in the 5th century with a larger structure to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. The current basilica, inaugurated in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, houses an important relic: the chain that bound Apostle Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. The basilica is renowned for its splendid mosaics and for being a place of devotion during the Jubilee.

The minor basilicas and extraurban pilgrimages

In addition to the four papal basilicas, Rome hosts numerous minor basilicas and pilgrimage itineraries that enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of the faithful.

Seven Churches Pilgrimage (Cammino di San Filippo)

The Seven Churches Pilgrimage, also known as the Cammino di San Filippo, is a path of about 24-25 km through Rome that combines spirituality, history, and art. San Filippo Neri devised this pilgrimage in the 16th century as a response to the excesses of the Roman carnival, making it traditionally a nocturnal journey with the participation of thousands of pilgrims.

Stages of the Pilgrimage
  • Chiesa Nuova – St. Peter’s Basilica
    Starting point at Chiesa Nuova, near the Oratory of the Filippini, work by Borromini.
    Crosses the Tiber River via Ponte Sant’Angelo and arrives at St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica – St. Paul’s Basilica Outside the Walls
    Along the way, passing by St. Bartholomew on the Tiber Island and reaching St. Paul Outside the Walls.
  • St. Paul’s Basilica – St. Sebastian’s Basilica
    Through Via delle Sette Chiese and the Catacombs of San Callisto, arriving at St. Sebastian Outside the Walls.

  • St. Sebastian’s Basilica – St. John Lateran Basilica
    Includes significant stops such as the church of Domine Quo Vadis and the Catacombs of San Callisto.

  • St. John Basilica – Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
    The path crosses the Gardens of Via Carlo Felice to Santa Croce, famous for the relics of the Cross.
  • Santa Croce Basilica – St. Lawrence’s Basilica Outside the Walls
    Continues to St. Lawrence, built around the tomb of the martyr Lawrence and keeper of the relics of Saint Stephen.
  • St. Lawrence’s Basilica – Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
    Final stage to Santa Maria Maggiore, famous for the miracle of snow that indicated the location of its construction.
Value of the pilgrimage
  • Spirituality:
    a path of faith and Christian reflection.
  • History and art:
    a journey through sacred monuments, catacombs, and basilicas of historical and artistic significance.
  • Community experience:
    opportunities for spiritual and cultural sharing among pilgrims.

The Seven Churches Pilgrimage is a unique itinerary that combines devotion, culture, and history, offering participants a complete experience of Christian Rome.
If you want to learn more about the importance of culture for the Jubilee, you can find our in-depth look at the cultural initiatives accompanying it here: Jubilee 2025 Cultural Events: Between Art and Faith in Rome.

A journey of faith, art, and history

The Jubilee of Hope offers pilgrims an extraordinary opportunity to immerse themselves in the spirituality and art of Rome through the 4 Papal Basilicas and the Cammino di San Filippo. These paths not only strengthen individual faith, but also promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue, enriching the experience of every participant. Whether admiring the artworks in the basilicas or walking through centuries in the Seven Churches Pilgrimage, each step represents a bond with tradition and a renewed hope for the future.

Important Dates in April – Jubilee 2025

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

  • April 5-6, 2025
    Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers
  • April 25-27, 2025
    Jubilee of Teenagers
  • April 28-30, 2025
    Jubilee of People with Disabilities

Discover our Jubilee 2025 Collection!

Discover our Jubilee 2025 Collection!

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!