Every 25 years, the Vatican hosts a Holy Year, a time of spiritual renewal and pilgrimage that draws millions of Catholics to Rome.
The 2025 Jubilee is no exception, with millions expected to walk through the “Holy Doors” of St. Peter’s Basilica and other major churches.
But this Jubilee includes something unexpected — a pilgrimage organized by LGBT Catholics has been added to the official calendar of events.
Scheduled for September 2025, the event is organized by “La Tenda di Gionata,” an Italian association dedicated to fostering acceptance of LGBT individuals within the Church.
Their plans include a prayer vigil at a local Roman parish, followed by a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, according to Hotnews.
Not an Official Endorsement
While this inclusion does not indicate official Vatican endorsement, it marks a notable shift in tone.
Agnese Palmucci, spokesperson for the Vatican’s evangelization office, clarified that the calendar listing is based on logistics and space availability.
“It’s not a sponsored activity,” she explained, emphasizing the Jubilee’s mission to ensure all pilgrims can participate in its spiritual opportunities.
The event comes during Pope Francis’s tenure, known for his efforts to make the Church more welcoming to marginalized communities.
Francis has called for compassion and dialogue, allowing blessings for same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis while upholding traditional Church teachings on marriage.
The 2025 Holy Year is expected to bring 32 million visitors to Rome, making it one of the largest events in recent Catholic history.
For many, the addition of the LGBT pilgrimage to the calendar signals the Vatican’s willingness to recognize the presence of these believers within the global Catholic community.
