The holy year hype: 32 million pilgrims, a pope, and a bunch of holy doors

The Jubilee year has officially begun, with Pope Francis making a grand entrance by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. This sacred ritual marks the start of a year where millions of pilgrims will seek redemption and forgiveness by crossing through one of the four Holy Doors in Rome. With 32 million visitors anticipated, that’s a lot of people trying to squeeze through some very holy thresholds. The event, held every 25 years, invites the faithful to reflect, pray, and (hopefully) avoid long lines for a selfie with the Pope. More than 32 million pilgrims are expected to descend on Italy for the Jubilee, with some estimates hitting 39 million. That’s almost 700,000 extra visitors each week, compared to the typical 60,000 crowd on Easter Sunday. To put it in perspective, imagine hosting a concert where every seat is filled every day for an entire year—except the concert is held in Vatican City. Crowds will flock to go through the Holy Doors and participate in special events, leaving the Vatican City looking like the most spiritual hotspot in Europe. Just don’t expect to avoid crowds unless you plan on visiting at 5 a.m. This year’s Jubilee focuses on "hope"—a timely theme in a world full of uncertainty. With ongoing conflicts across the globe, Pope Francis is encouraging Christians to remember that "hope in Christ will not disappoint." Along with the focus on spiritual renewal, the Holy Year will feature two major canonizations: Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be declared a saint, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a champion of charity. These canonizations will provide even more reason for pilgrims to gather in Rome and reflect on faith—and probably to snap a selfie with a saint or two. Mountain Butorac, founder of The Catholic Traveler, is already gearing up for his pilgrimage tours during the Holy Year. Although he’s used to guiding groups through the Vatican, this year promises more than just the usual sights—he’ll be navigating throngs of eager pilgrims. With masses, confessions, and a focus on family, youth, and musicians, this Jubilee year is more than just about visiting Rome—it’s a spiritual event that calls for community. Let’s hope the crowds are ready to pray, reflect, and maybe grab a cappuccino without spilling it on their pilgrimage attire.