Pilgrimage to Israel: Prospects for Tourism in the Holy Year 20255
- Oxana Krylov
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
On December 24, 2024, the Catholic Church begins its Jubilee Year, proclaimed by the Pope. This special period may inspire a new rise in Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
A Jubilee Year is announced every 25 years (or in exceptional cases) as a time of spiritual renewal and mercy. During this year, the faithful are offered a unique path to forgiveness of sins through pilgrimage, repentance, and prayer. The year begins with the opening of the Holy Doors in the basilicas of Rome and ends with their closing. For those traveling to the Holy Land in Israel, pilgrimage is a rare opportunity to touch the sacred sites of Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem.
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism expects that the call to repentance and the promise of forgiveness of sins, set out in the papal bull Spes non confundit (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), will attract believers to holy places across the country. Authorities are preparing infrastructure for the comfort and safety of pilgrims, hoping for stabilization of the current situation and the renewal of international flights.
Holy Sites for Pilgrims in Israel
Jerusalem
Church of the Holy Sepulchre — the most sacred site, marking Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) — the path leading to Golgotha.
Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations — where Jesus prayed before His arrest.
Nazareth
Basilica of the Annunciation — built on the site where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mary the birth of Jesus.
Church of St. Joseph — believed to be the home of the Holy Family.
Bethlehem
Church of the Nativity — the place of Christ’s birth.
Shepherds’ Field — where the shepherds first heard the news of His nativity.
These sites remain the main centers of Catholic pilgrimage in the Holy Land, where believers can deeply connect with the events of the Gospel.
The Jubilee Year is thus a unique time to strengthen spiritual ties with the land of Christ and an excellent opportunity for Christians to make pilgrimage to Israel.
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