The Vatican has announced a series of events for next year’s jubilee, including a Jubilee for the World of Communication from January 24-26 and a Jubilee for Armed Forces and Security Services on February 8-9. These events are part of a list of 26 celebrations dedicated to specific groups.
Other jubilee days will honor volunteers, missionaries of mercy, individuals with disabilities, workers, entrepreneurs, and various community groups. Families, children, and different religious communities will also have designated days.
The changes to the official calendar reflect a format similar to the Great Jubilee of 2000 under St. John Paul II. However, there are some noticeable gaps, including the absence of jubilee days for the laity, universities, and politicians, which were included in 2000.
In addition to the official events, many grassroots gatherings are expected. During the 2000 jubilee, various groups organized their own celebrations, often coinciding with the Pope’s general audience or Angelus address. These spontaneous events tended to be lively and memorable.
One highlight from the 2000 jubilee was the “Jubilee of Pizza Makers” on October 25. Pizza makers from Italy traveled to impoverished areas of Rome, delivering free pizzas to those in need. The following day, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, bringing their “pizza bus” for attendees to sample. One of the favorites was the pizza capricciosa, a dish known for its variety of toppings.
The pizzaioli presented the Pope with gifts, including a pizza oven from Naples and a ceramic pizza replica featuring the Vatican’s colors of yellow and white. The festive atmosphere and delicious aroma of pizza made the day unforgettable.
Another memorable event was on June 29, when hundreds of motorcyclists gathered in St. Peter’s Square for what was claimed to be the first motorcycle rally with a pope. The bikers returned on July 2, filling the square for the Pope’s Angelus address, showcasing a unique blend of faith and culture.
Other creative celebrations during the jubilee included events for circus performers and tattoo artists, highlighting the faith’s reach into diverse cultural areas.
As the jubilee year of 2025 approaches, many hope for more imaginative events that will add excitement to the official celebrations. And a note to the pizza makers: If you return, please save a capricciosa for me!