Rome, the Eternal City, was meant to shimmer with jubilation in 2025 with an estimated 30 million travellers expected to descend on it to celebrate its Jubilee year.
Instead, pilgrims have been flung into sombreness as they pray for the health of ailing Pope Francis - known as the heart of the Catholic world - who was first admitted to hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulties breathing for several days.
The Vatican, usually a hive of activity during a Jubilee year, has cancelled papal audiences and scaled back events. The pilgrims and travellers who came to see the Pope, to hear his words, and to feel his blessing now wait in quiet prayer, their joy tempered by concern.
The juxtaposition in the city is striking, according to reports.
On one hand: Rome is alive with the hum of devotion — pilgrims holding their rosaries, families lighting candles, choirs filling basilicas with hymns — and on the other, an undercurrent of unease
.The Vatican Jubilee, a sacred tradition stretching back to 1300, comes four times a century, bringing crowds and chaos but also faith and beauty to the city known for its impressive monuments and archaeological sites; its delicious cuisine and lively atmosphere but also as the centre point of Catholicism.
While Rome is usually the third most visited city in Europe and the 14th worldwide, the Jubilee years ramp up the visitors. During an average year, almost 10 million overseas travellers come to Rome, but during a Jubilee year, that number can exceed 30 million.
The whole year is full of special events and activities that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. Many travellers end up staying on the outskirts of the city as its 400,000 beds don't meet the predicted demand. Travel advisories warn about a Jubilee year: be prepared for crowds and extended wait times for transportation and entry into locations.
The significance of the Jubilee
The Vatican Jubilee is known as a special year of grace when the Catholic Church offers the faithful forgiveness of sins for themselves or deceased relatives.
The most moving and well-known ritual is the opening of the Holy Door - which only happens in a Jubilee year - when the Holy Doors of St Peter’s Basilica, St John Lateran, St Paul Outside the Walls, and St Mary Major are swung open, inviting the world to step through into a year of grace.
This was an event before the Pope's illness took hold of him and he was able to open the Holy Door.
It is an event that pilgrims travel from all over the world to witness. But now the Jubilee has taken on a sombre tone. Pope Francis' absence looms large over the other festivities.
Atmosphere in Rome right now
The atmosphere is reported to be one of anxiety and uncertainty. The public catechesis that the Pope was scheduled to lead last weekend was suspended, further raising pilgrims' concerns.
The next Jubilee events on the calendar that would typically involve the Pope are the March 8-9 weekend dedicated to volunteers.
Those who came to celebrate the Holy Year find themselves reflecting on fragility, mortality and the enduring strength of their faith.
Tips for travellers
Travellers are taking to Reddit and travel sites asking what would happen if they are in Rome in the event of the Pope dying.
One answer is that the city will fill up with cardinals from all over the world and while they won't be able to enter the Sistine Chapel, they can join the throng outside in the square to watch for smoke - black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote in the new Pope, while white smoke announces the election of a new Pope.
Travellers should be aware of the fact that after the official confirmation of the death of a Pope, the Church enters a nine-day mourning period, followed by the process of electing a new Bishop of Rome.
This period is steeped in tradition and draws global attention. Some shops and museums close during this time.
Hope does not disappoint
Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has been reported to have led the Catholic Church with a focus on reform and humility.
He officially declared 2025 a Year of Jubilee with a papal bull, titled “Spes Non Confudit,” meaning “Hope Does Not Disappoint” - and for pilgrims in Rome and Catholics around the world, the hope is that their prayers for his health to be restored will be answered.