Are you traveling to Italy for the Jubilee of Youth? If you're in Rome, don’t miss the chance to visit these iconic Catholic sites—it’s a powerful opportunity to deepen your relationship with God!
From July 28 to August 3, Rome will welcome thousands of young people, arriving with enthusiasm, backpacks on their shoulders, and a desire to encounter the Lord. Amid the excitement and energy, there are places that stand out not only for their historical and artistic beauty, but also for their deep spiritual significance.
From Holy Doors to the tombs of great saints, here are the must-see sites in Rome during the Jubilee:
1) Saint Peter’s Basilica
Begin your pilgrimage by crossing the Holy Door—one of the most important traditions of the Jubilee—and receive a plenary indulgence. Inside, you can visit the tomb of Saint John Paul II, founder of World Youth Day and an inspiring figure for generations of young Catholics. You can also visit the tomb of Benedict XVI, who guided the Church during World Youth Days in Cologne, Sydney, and Madrid.
2) The Four Holy Doors
In addition to Saint Peter’s, be sure to visit the other three Holy Doors in Rome:
- Saint John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and the oldest church in the Western world.
- Saint Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the remains of Saint Paul and displays portraits of all the popes.
- Saint Mary Major, renowned for its 5th-century mosaics and the relics of the Nativity.
Holy Doors / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez, EWTN News.
3) The Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta)
Across from Saint John Lateran are the famous Scala Sancta—28 marble steps that, according to tradition, Jesus climbed during His Passion, brought to Rome by Saint Helena. Thousands of pilgrims ascend the stairs on their knees, praying for their intentions. At the top is the Sancta Sanctorum, one of the oldest and most venerated chapels in Rome.
4) Visit the Tomb of Pope Francis
At Saint Mary Major, after crossing the Holy Door, you can find the tomb of Pope Francis. This basilica held special significance for him—he visited it before and after each of his apostolic journeys. Francis presided over World Youth Days in Rio (2013), Kraków (2016), and Lisbon (2023), and he called for the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016, leaving a lasting mark on an entire generation of young Catholics.
Tip:
With a little effort—and plenty of water to beat the Roman summer heat—you can visit all four Holy Doors in one day. Our recommendation: Start early at Saint Peter’s, then take the metro to Saint John Lateran. Visit the Holy Door and climb the Scala Sancta. Next, head to Saint Mary Major (a short walk from Termini Station), and finish your journey at Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
5) Venerate the Incorrupt Body of Future Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati
For the Jubilee of Youth, the incorrupt body of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati has been transferred to the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, near the Pantheon. Pier Giorgio, a young Italian who died 100 years ago, will be canonized on September 7, 2025, by Pope Leo XIV, along with Blessed Carlo Acutis. This is a special opportunity to ask his intercession for your dreams and future plans.
Bonus Destinations (Outside Rome):
- Assisi: Take a day trip to visit the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, known as the “Influencer of God.” His tomb is located in the small Church of Saint Mary Major in Assisi, just a 12-minute walk from the Basilica of Saint Francis and near the Basilica of Saint Clare.
- Nettuno: Travel to the coastal town of Nettuno to visit the tomb of Saint Maria Goretti, patron of purity and forgiveness. Her remains rest in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Graces, just a 10-minute walk from the train station—and right next to a beautiful beach.
Claudette Jerez