In a significant spiritual undertaking, the Vatican will observe the "Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers" on April 5 and 6, 2025. This event forms the seventh major gathering in the calendar of the Holy Year 2025, a sacred period of pilgrimage, reflection, and mercy. The Jubilee is expected to draw around 20,000 participants from over 90 nations, creating a vibrant and diverse congregation of individuals either experiencing illness or involved in the healing professions. From patients and caregivers to nurses, doctors, and hospital staff, the gathering aims to honor the resilience of those who suffer and the compassion of those who serve in healthcare.
The event will commence with pilgrims crossing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 5, a symbolic gesture of spiritual renewal and entrance into a sacred journey. This rite of passage, steeped in religious tradition, reflects the broader mission of the Jubilee Year to offer healing, both physical and spiritual. The Vatican has also organized various cultural and artistic events across prominent Roman squares, collectively titled “Dialogues with the City.” These public gatherings aim to foster engagement between the faithful and the broader community through creative expression, shared stories, and spiritual reflection.
On April 6, the spiritual high point of the event will take place when Pope Francis presides over the Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Square. This mass is expected to carry a message of encouragement and hope, underscoring the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to those who suffer physically or emotionally. Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized the importance of solidarity with the sick, most notably in his message for the 33rd World Day of the Sick earlier this year, where he called on the faithful to embrace hope as a source of strength during trials and illness. His words serve as a guiding light for the Jubilee, inviting believers to recognize the sacred dignity of suffering and the healing presence of compassion.
This Jubilee event also stands as a testament to the Vatican’s acknowledgment of the tireless efforts of health professionals who often work under immense pressure and personal sacrifice. It provides a rare spiritual space for these caregivers to pause, reflect, and receive recognition not only from religious leaders but from a global faith community.
Registration for the event is open until February 9, 2025, allowing participants sufficient time to prepare for this unique occasion of faith and fellowship. As part of the wider Holy Year observances, the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers is more than a ceremonial moment—it is a heartfelt encounter meant to uplift, affirm, and offer grace to those who carry the burdens of illness and care in everyday life.