Rome welcomes 25,000 pilgrims for jubilee of volunteers

This weekend, the fifth major Jubilee event will bring together NGOs and volunteer organizations from five continents.

On March 8, pilgrims will journey to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a series of dialogues and meetings across Rome. On March 9, Cardinal Michael Czerny will preside over a special Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

Around 25,000 pilgrims from over 100 countries will participate in this Jubilee event, which is dedicated to the World of Volunteering.

Nearly 15,000 volunteers will represent Italy, while Spain (124), the United States (123), and Brazil (85) will send delegations.

Pilgrims from Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Australia, Chile, Ecuador, and India will also be in attendance.

From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, pilgrims representing various associations, NGOs, and volunteer organizations will walk through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in designated Jubilee churches.

From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, a series of cultural, artistic, and spiritual encounters, known as Dialogues with the City, will be held in different locations across Rome:

• Piazza Risorgimento—The Focsiv Foundation will host activities to raise awareness about volunteerism.

• Lungotevere Vaticano (near Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II): The Movimento per la Vita will showcase its initiatives, host activities for children, and share testimonies from mothers.

• Basilica of San Salvatore in Lauro—Protezione Civile, Italy’s civil protection body, will present its work in emergency response and disaster management.

• Piazza Sant’Ignazio—Volunteers from Aps Il Sorriso will engage visitors with interactive projects and activities for children.

• IAD Bambini Ancora—This organization will host art workshops, balloon activities, and roundtable discussions for parents on family-related issues.

On Sunday at 10:30 AM, Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, will preside over Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

During the liturgy, he will read the homily prepared by Pope Francis for the occasion.

This gathering highlights the vital role of volunteers worldwide and serves as a moment of faith, reflection, and gratitude for their dedication to serving others.