The fourth major event of the Jubilee of Hope is dedicated to deacons, bringing together 4,000 participants from across the globe in Rome from February 21 to 23. Their pilgrimage will include passing through the Holy Door, attending discussions on their ministry, and culminating in a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, on Sunday, February 23.
The word "deacon" originates from the Greek διάκονος (diákonos), meaning "servant", a role deeply rooted in service to the Church and the faithful. Over 100 nations will be represented at this gathering, with deacons traveling from the United States, France, Brazil, India, Cameroon, Australia, and beyond. Additionally, 2,000 more individuals, including family members, will join them in this spiritual journey.
However, Pope Francis, often referred to as the “Servant of the Servants of God”, will be absent from the event as he remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The pilgrimage begins on Friday, February 21, with prayer gatherings in 12 churches across Rome at 3:30 p.m., followed by meetings on the theme “Concrete Signs of Hope in Diaconal Ministry.”
On Saturday morning, participants will walk through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, fulfilling a key requirement for obtaining the plenary indulgence granted during the Jubilee year. Following this, a conference on the role of deacons in a Synodal Church will be held at the Auditorium della Conciliazione from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The day will conclude with a prayer vigil in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.
On Sunday, February 23, 23 deacons will be ordained during a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.
For many deacons, this pilgrimage is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a reaffirmation of their mission. François Fayol, a deacon from the Diocese of Créteil, France, attending with France’s National Diaconate Committee (CND), expressed his hope that the Jubilee will strengthen their faith and encourage them to reach out more to those on the peripheries.
Archbishop Bertrand Lacombe, accompanying the French delegation, emphasized the importance of bringing “charity, liturgy, and the Word” to Rome. Reflecting on the experience, he urged attendees to embrace the spirit of pilgrimage:
"Let us be surprised by the way we become ever more ‘pilgrims of hope’—first here in Rome, and then as we return to our communities.”
For the thousands gathered, this Jubilee serves as a moment of reflection, unity, and renewed commitment to their calling as deacons—true servants of hope.