2025 was the Year of the Jubilee for Catholics throughout the world. Occurring every 25 years, a Jubilee is celebrated by the faithful in making a pilgrimage to the sacred doors of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, located just inside the awesome, inspiring St. Peter’s Square.

The holy doors were opened at the start of the Jubilee in January 2025 by our late Holy Father, Pope Francis. Unfortunately, Pope Francis would suffer health issues in February 2025, requiring hospitalization. Making a heartfelt recovery, including his kind words on Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis quietly passed away the following morning of Easter Monday.

The Jubilee Year of 2025 would now become a year of transition. Amid steady prayers from the faithful throughout the world, a conclave of cardinals would assemble at the Vatican on May 7, 2025, to elect a new pope to lead and guide the faithful of the world.

While “black smoke” appeared in the first two voting sessions, in the afternoon of the second day of the conclave, “white smoke” appeared from the traditional smokestack above the Sistine Chapel, symbolizing to the whole world that a new pope was elected: Robert Prevost, the first-ever American pope, who chose the name Pope Leo XIV.

Traveling to Rome during this time period and having the opportunity to view this historic event, coupled with the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, were inspiring and memorable experiences. The ability to pass through the holy doors of St. Peter’s Basilica during this Jubilee Year and appreciate and admire the wonderful and spiritual beauty of this magnificent cathedral at the center of the world at this point in time was simply “beautiful.”

Life is beautiful! It is a wonderful life! (Ironically, two of Pope Leo XIV’s favorite movies). With the sad passing of beloved Pope Francis, followed by the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the Jubilee Year of 2025 will surely be remembered as an important and historic year in the history of the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Moreover, the Jubilee Year of 2025 allowed for travel to other cities in Italy, including Assisi and Gubbio. Assisi is famous for the Basilica of St. Francis (Pope Francis’ namesake). Also, Assisi was abundant on interesting information on the life of the newly named St. Carlo Acutis. St. Carlo Acutis became one of the first saints recognized by Pope Leo XIV in September 2025.

Additionally, in September 2025, St. Carlo Acutis Parish was newly named within the Diocese of Scranton and located within the borough of Olyphant at Delaware Avenue (former Holy Cross Parish).

Finally, Gubbio, Italy, provided the opportunity to witness the 1,000-plus-year tradition of La Festa dei Ceri, the “Race of the Saints,” including Saints Ubaldo, George and Anthony. A close look and understanding of these cherished and beloved saints allows one to appreciate the goodness and beauty in life.

Yes, the Jubilee Year of 2025 was truly a historic, memorable, spiritual, wonderful and beautiful year.

Larry Spegar is an attorney residing in Jessup. He is also a published author and filmmaker, director and producer.