Holy Year 2025

At the centre, the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica. Along the upper edge, the commemorative inscription "IUBILAEUM"; running around the edge in a curved inscription to complete the Latin text, a series of alternating empty and solid fish — a symbol of Christianity. To the left, the issue year "2025" and the Rome Mint mark "R"; to the right, the Italian Republic abbreviation "RI"; at lower right, the initials "CM" of coin designer Claudia Momoni.

The Holy Year, known in Latin as the Iubilaeum, is one of the most important religious institutions of Catholicism and resonates far beyond Italy. Since Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first jubilee year in 1300, it has brought pilgrims from around the world to Rome every 25 years — a tradition continuously renewed over seven centuries. At the heart of the event is the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, which is ceremonially opened at the start of a Holy Year and closed again at its end. The ritual marks a special time of prayer, penance, and indulgence that carries spiritual significance for millions of believers. As the world capital of Catholicism, Rome becomes, every 25 years, the stage for one of the largest religious mass events anywhere.

The 2025 Jubilee is the 27th ordinary Holy Year in history and falls under the pontificate of Pope Francis, who has set the guiding theme "Pilgrims of Hope." An estimated 32 million pilgrims and visitors are expected in Rome — a logistical and cultural challenge for both the city and the Vatican state. The fish motif on the Italian 2-euro commemorative coin draws on an early Christian symbol: the fish, Greek Ichthys, served the first Christians as a secret sign of recognition and remains one of the oldest symbols of the faith today. Italy is issuing this coin to mark the Iubilaeum 2025, documenting the event as part of its national and religious identity.