2 Euro BU

The Catholic Jubilee or Holy Year is a special period of pilgrimage, conversion and reconciliation. The term goes back through the Latin *iubilaeum* to the biblical Jubilee year. In the Catholic tradition, it is particularly associated with the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence under specified religious conditions. These include confession, Communion and prayer. The motto of the Holy Year 2025 is “Pilgrims of Hope”.

The first Holy Year proclaimed by a pope took place in 1300 under Pope Bonifatius VIII. The intervals were subsequently changed several times; since 1475, ordinary Jubilees have generally been celebrated every 25 years. In addition, popes may proclaim extraordinary Holy Years. Pope Franziskus announced the 2025 Jubilee with the bull of proclamation *Spes non confundit*. He opened it in Rome on 24 December 2024.

The Holy Door represents Christ as the way to salvation and the personal transition to a renewed life. It is usually opened only during a Holy Year and then sealed again. In St Peter’s Basilica (Petersdom), it is located at the right-hand end of the vestibule. Its bronze doors, created by the sculptor Vico Consorti, depict scenes relating to human guilt, forgiveness and redemption. The other major papal basilicas of Rome also have Holy Doors, which are opened during the Jubilee.

During a Holy Year, Rome is the destination of numerous pilgrims from all over the world. In addition to religious services and pilgrimages, the programme includes events for various social and ecclesiastical groups. Italy’s choice of this occasion can be explained by the country’s close historical and geographical connection with Rome as the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Although St Peter’s Basilica is located in the sovereign state of Vatican City (Vatikanstadt), Jubilees also shape public life, pilgrim traffic and the infrastructure of the Italian capital. The coin issue therefore takes up a religious event that also has far-reaching cultural and social links with Italy.