French People Arr. Rude Podcast Show Notes
S1, E14: Jubilee Year, Pope & Permits
In this episode of French People Arr. Rude, Sean, Brandon, and special guest Angel Castellanos tackle the whirlwind that is Rome in 2025. With the Jubilee Year drawing an extra 39 million visitors, a new baseball-loving American Pope, and changes to how you move through the Eternal City, there’s a lot to know before booking your plane ticket. Listen to the podcast or scroll through these show notes for Rome travel updates straight from the source.
What We Cover in This Italy Travel Tips Episode
- Rome Jubilee & What Is It
- How to Sign Up for the Official Pilgrimage
- How to See St. Peter’s Basilica as a Non-Pilgrim
- How to See Pope Francis’ Tomb
- Need-to-Know Changes in Rome
- How to Tackle Rome This Year
Resources Mentioned in This Italy Travel Tips Episode
- Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
- Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
- Where to Stay in Rome
- How to Visit Vatican City
2025 Travel Updates for Rome – Jubilee & More
Rome Jubilee & What It Is
The Jubilee is a significant event in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years. It’s a time when pilgrims travel to Rome to pass through the Holy Doors of the four major papal basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major.
Passing through these doors, which are only open during the Jubilee Year, symbolizes a spiritual renewal and the forgiveness of sins.
Interessante Fact: The tradition of the Holy Doors dates back to the 15th century, with the first door opened at St. John Lateran in 1423.
How to Sign Up for the Official Pilgrim Walk
Walking the official pilgrimage is free and open to anyone, Christians and non-Christians alike.
- To participate in the official pilgrimage, you must register through the Jubilee 2025 website.
- After registration, you’ll receive a scheduled time to join a group at Piazza Pia.
- From there, you’ll proceed to St. Peter’s Square, chanting and singing along the way. Then, through a special security line and into St. Peter’s Basilica.
- The pilgrimage concludes after passing through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
How to See St. Peter’s Basilica as a Non-Pilgrim
If you’re not participating in the official pilgrimage, you have three options to visit St. Peter’s Basilica:
- Option 1: Reserve a time slot through the official St. Peter’s Basilica website for a €7 fee. This allows you to enter through a special security line without joining the full pilgrimage.
- Option 2: Join a guided tour, like our St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts or our St. Peter’s Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour.
- Option 3: General admission is free and available, but not recommended. The line can stretch on for over half a mile.
How to See Pope Francis’ Tomb
Pope Francis passed away in April 2025, and his tomb is located in St. Mary Major Basilica. Admission is free, and the Basilica is open every day from 7 am to 6:30 pm.
We recommend visiting first thing in the morning or an hour before closing time. Head to the Piazza dell’Esquilino to access the security line.
Need-to-Know Changes for Rome 2025
Rome’s Cleaner and More Walkable
In preparation for the Jubilee, Rome has undergone extensive cleaning and renovations. Many streets have been repaved, public spaces refreshed, and pedestrian zones expanded, making the city more accessible and pleasant for visitors.
Trevi Fountain
Access to the Trevi Fountain is now regulated to prevent overcrowding and damage to the structure. The queue starts on the south side of Piazza di Trevi and moves relatively fast. Entry is free, but don’t forget to bring a coin to toss in and ensure your return to Rome.
Hours: 9 am to 9 pm. Outside of these hours, access is not monitored.
Interessante Fact: The coins tossed into the Trevi Fountain are collected daily and donated to Caritas, a Catholic charity supporting Rome’s needy.
Getting Around Rome
- Walking: This is your best option as Rome is a very walkable city. Just don’t follow the main roads, which are packed and hot. Instead, meander along side roads and shady paths.
- Taxis: Due to increased pedestrian zones, taxi rides may take longer. Plan for an additional 20-30 minutes of travel time.
- Public Transport: Buses are confusing and best avoided. The metro is more straightforward, and with upgrades to some stations and a new line in place, it’s a great option for non-walkable distances.
- From the Airport: The Leonardo Express train offers a direct route from Fiumicino Airport to Rome Termini for €17.90. Alternatively, consider booking a private transfer for convenience.
How to Tackle Rome This Year
To make the most of your time in Rome:
- Explore Lesser-Known Sites: Consider visiting attractions like Palazzo Colonna, Palazzo Altemps, and Ostia Antica.
- Plan Ahead: Book tours and tickets in advance to avoid long lines and sold-out experiences.
- Arrive Early: If you have a timed ticket or a dinner reservation, give yourself an extra 20 minutes to get there. Worst case scenario, you have extra time to grab a coffee and people watch.
- Stay Off Main Roads: Main streets can be hot and crowded. Opt for shaded side streets and alleys to navigate the city more comfortably.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Rome During the 2025 Jubilee
If you’re headed to Rome in 2025, you’re not just sightseeing. You’re surviving an ancient city in the middle of a modern pilgrimage. Expect crowds, yes, but also expect a once-in-a-generation experience that’s absolutely worth the hassle.
Plan ahead, dodge the bottlenecks, and don’t be afraid to swap big-name sites for quiet churches and shady piazzas.
Want to get a head start on planning? Check out these articles:
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