Vatican City: More than 33 million pilgrims from across the world travelled to Rome during the Jubilee Year, exceeding all expectations and turning the Holy Year into one of the largest spiritual gatherings in recent history.
Speaking at a press conference at the Vatican on Monday, Archbishop Rino Fisichella said around 33.5 million pilgrims from 185 countries visited Rome during the Jubilee. He presented the final figures as preparations were underway for Pope Leo XIV to formally close the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica on January 6, marking the end of the Holy Year.
Archbishop Fisichella said early projections had estimated about 31 million pilgrims, but those numbers were surpassed. He described the Jubilee as a moment when the whole world came to Rome, with Europe accounting for the largest share of visitors. About 62 percent of pilgrims came from Europe, with Italy contributing the highest number. North America followed with 17 percent, while large groups also arrived from the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland.
He said the true meaning of the Jubilee could not be measured only by statistics or the 35 major events organised throughout the year. According to him, the Holy Year was above all a journey of faith, prayer and personal renewal. He noted that confession numbers increased significantly and that places such as the Papal Basilicas and the Holy Stairs recorded unprecedented attendance.
The Archbishop said the Jubilee had fulfilled its purpose of renewing hope, in line with the theme expressed in the Bull of Indiction Spes non confundit. While the Jubilee is ending, he said the signs of hope it inspired would continue to guide people toward peace and serenity.
He also highlighted the contribution of volunteers, calling it one of the most meaningful aspects of the Holy Year. About 5,000 volunteers served throughout the year, supported by another 2,000 members of the Order of Malta who provided first aid services at the four Papal Basilicas.
Italian authorities who worked closely with the Church also attended the press conference and reflected on what they called the Jubilee method. Alfredo Mantovano, Secretary of the Council of Ministers, said the approach focused on cooperation and coordination rather than control, allowing public administration to serve the spiritual needs of the event.
Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri said the city welcomed pilgrims without disrupting daily life or tourism. He said the Jubilee became a driving force for the city and strengthened the bond between pilgrims and residents. He recalled the Jubilee of Young People at Tor Vergata in August as a historic moment for both Rome and the Church.
Lazio Region President Francesco Rocca said healthcare workers handled an increased workload calmly and efficiently, with emergency services recording about 580,000 interventions during the Jubilee year. Emergency room visits rose to around 1.6 million.
Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini said security forces focused on prevention rather than heavy policing, aiming to ensure both safety and peace. He recalled the Jubilee of Youth at the Circus Maximus, where confessionals were set up in the open air, calling it a unique and unforgettable experience.
As the Jubilee Year draws to a close, Church and civic leaders agreed that its legacy goes beyond numbers, leaving behind renewed faith, cooperation and hope for the future.