24/04/2025

Dicastery for Evangelization - Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World

PRESS RELEASE

28 AND 29 APRIL, JUBILEE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

(Città del Vaticano, 24 aprile 2025) – Lunedì 28 e martedì 29 aprile 2025 si terrà il Giubileo dedicato alle persone con disabilità, e sono attesi a Roma circa diecimila pellegrini, tra cui anche famigliari e accompagnatori, da oltre 90 Paesi del mondo. Il Giubileo vedrà la partecipazione di migliaia di bambini, giovani e adulti provenienti in gran parte dall'Italia, ma anche in 500 dagli Stati Uniti, in 260 dalla Polonia, in 215 dalla Spagna, poi in 160 dal Messico, 140 dal Canada, 90 dall’Argentina, 70 dal Brasile. Poi ancora in gruppi numerosi da Germania, Francia, Portogallo, Croazia, India, Indonesia, Colombia, Cile, Ecuador, Filippine, Congo, Nigeria, Australia, Cina, e molti altri. Numerose le associazioni presenti coinvolte nella cura e nell’accompagnamento dei pellegrini con disabilità, come UNITALSI, Kairos Forum, Comunità Arch, Movimento Apostolico Ciechi, Anffas - Associazione Nazionale di Famiglie e Persone con disabilità intellettive e disturbi del neurosviluppo, e tante altre.

(Vatican City, 24 April 2025) – On Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 April 2025, the Jubilee dedicated to people with disabilities will be held, and approximately twelve thousand pilgrims are expected in Rome, including relatives and accompaniers, from over ninety countries in the world. The Jubilee will involve the participation of thousands of children, young people and adults, mostly from Italy, but also 500 from the United States, 260 from Poland, 215 from Spain, 160 from Mexico, 140 from Canada, 90 from Argentina, and 70 from Brazil. There will also be large groups from Germany, France, Portugal, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, the Philippines, Congo, Nigeria, Australia, China and many others. It will also be attended by many organizations engaged in the care and accompaniment of pilgrims with disabilities, such as UNITALSI, Kairos Forum, Comunità Arch, the Apostolic Movement of the Blind, ANFASS – National Association of Families and Persons with intellectual disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders, and many others.

On Monday 28 April, the Jubilee will begin with the pilgrimage to the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica from 8.00 to 13.00 and, at the same time, from 9.30 to 12.00 it will be possible, for those who wish, to receive the Sacrament of Confession at the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini. Indeed, here priest confessors, trained to welcome people with disabilities, will be present, and there will also be the opportunity for silent Eucharistic adoration. At 17.00, at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls, the Jubilee Holy Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president responsible for the Jubilee. Entry will be free and tickets are not required to participate. Translation in Italian and International Sign Language will be available for all the events and celebrations.

In Saint Peter’s Square on Tuesday 29 April, at 11.00, the catechesis will be held by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, followed by several testimonies from people with disabilities. After lunch in the gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo, in the same place, starting from 15.00, the pilgrims will have an afternoon of celebrations, conducted by Rosella Brescia and Rudy Zerbi, with music, testimonies and recreational moments. Among the artists who will perform, there will also be very popular singers such as Noemi and some bands made up of people with disabilities from all over the world, such as Rulli Frulli, Hearts for Music, Chicco’s Band, and Ladri di Carrozzelle. The Paralympic athletes Bebe Vio and Oney Tapia will appear onstage, as well as the artists Damiano and Margherita Tercon, and via video message, also the composer and musician Giovanni Allevi. There will be institutional greetings from the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, and the Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli.

In addition, during the entire day of 29 April, along Via della Conciliazione the pilgrims will be able to enjoy the “Via della Speranza” itinerant experience, with stands and testimonies from entities narrating the life and signs of hope of people with disabilities. In addition, there will be solidarity food trucks and refreshment areas accessible to all.

PRESS OFFICE - JUBILEE 2025

Dicastery for Evangelization

Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World

press@iubilaeum2025.va