More than 60,000 pilgrims from 120 countries are set to converge on Rome this weekend for the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents, and the Elderly, a major three-day event organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization as part of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year 2025.
Running from May 30 to June 1, the gathering will feature a packed schedule of pilgrimages, public celebrations, prayer vigils, and cultural activities across Rome.
Organizers say the event will spotlight the Church’s renewed emphasis on intergenerational solidarity and family life.
Among the largest delegations are groups from Italy, Spain, the United States, Poland, and Portugal. Pilgrims are also expected from countries across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, including Brazil, the Philippines, Colombia, and Switzerland.
Numerous dioceses, ecclesial movements, and lay associations will take part, including Agesci, Azione Cattolica Italiana, the Neocatechumenal Way, UNITALSI, the Catholic Grandparents Association, the Franciscan Movement, and the Focolare Movement.
The Jubilee opens Friday, May 30, with pilgrimages to the Holy Doors of the Papal Basilicas. Rome’s historic city squares will host the “Dialogues with the City,” a series of cultural and spiritual events organized by institutions and family-oriented associations.
These include the Pontifical Committee for the World Children’s Day, Families for Hospitality Association, Nonno Banter 57 APS – Street Games, Le Muse di Archimede, and the Emmanuel Community.
Pilgrimages will resume on Saturday, May 31, though St. Peter’s Holy Door will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for logistical reasons.
The day will again feature “Dialogues with the City,” involving groups such as the Centro Oratori Romani, Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CHARIS), Sant’Egidio Community, Family Global Compact, and international family networks.
The highlight of the weekend will take place Saturday evening in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano with the “Family Celebration” and a prayer vigil marking the end of the Marian month.
Several family-focused associations—including the Pope John XXIII Association, Equipe Notre Dame, Families for Hospitality, New Families (Focolare), and Nonni 2.0—will also share their stories of commitment to family life.
To mark the occasion, 10,000 copies of a newly released Children’s Bible—produced by the Pontifical Foundation Aid to the Church in Need—will be distributed at the entrances to the square.
The Jubilee will close on Sunday, June 1, with a Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square.
