The Vatican is set to host a series of events organized by the LGBTQ community as part of the 2025 Roman Catholic Jubilee, with over 1,000 representatives from the gay community expected to attend. The Jubilee, also known as the Holy Year, is a time of spiritual renewal declared every quarter century by the Pope. The current Holy Year runs from December 24, 2024, through January 6, 2026.
The Italian pro-LGBTQ group La Tenda di Gionata has planned a pilgrimage as part of the celebrations, which will take place from September 5 to 7. The event will begin with a multilingual prayer vigil near the Church of Jesus in Rome, followed by a Mass and procession through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. The pilgrimage will conclude with the Angelus prayer led by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square.
Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, will preside over the group’s Mass, stating that their inclusion reflects the Church’s mission to welcome everyone, regardless of background or life choices. The Vatican listed the pilgrimage on its official Jubilee calendar in December 2024, during the late Pope Francis’ tenure. Pope Francis was seen as leading a more inclusive direction for the Catholic Church, allowing priests to bless same-sex couples and admit gay men to the priesthood.
Pope Francis’ successor, Pope Leo XIV, has expressed skepticism toward LGBTQ reforms in the Church, affirming that marriage is between a man and a woman. However, he has upheld Francis’ earlier directive allowing blessings for same-sex couples. The Vatican has clarified that including the LGBTQ group on the Jubilee calendar does not mean the Church sponsors or endorses the group’s activities.
The upcoming pilgrimage is significant, as it marks a continuation of the Catholic Church’s efforts to engage with the LGBTQ community. The event is expected to draw participants from around 30 countries, highlighting the global nature of the Church’s outreach efforts. As the Catholic Church navigates its relationship with the LGBTQ community, the pilgrimage serves as a notable example of the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and spiritual renewal.
