Pope Leo to celebrate Jubilee of Consecrated Life in St Peter’s Square

Pope Leo XIV will preside over a major Eucharistic celebration in St Peter’s Square on 9 October as part of the Jubilee celebration in honour of consecrated life.

The Office of Liturgical Celebrations has issued instructions for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life, a gathering of thousands of men and women religious from across the world under the theme “Pilgrims of hope, on the path to peace".

The Jubilee, which has already drawn more than 1,200 registrations according to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, invites participation from all forms of consecrated life, including religious sisters and brothers, monks, contemplatives, secular institutes, consecrated virgins, hermits and newer communities.

The pilgrimage programme begins on 8 October with a pilgrimage to the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica, accompanied by opportunities for Confession in the Jubilee churches. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on the same day, the “Dialogue with the City” event will bring cultural, artistic and spiritual encounters to several Roman piazzas.

These gatherings will focus on themes close to the Pope’s vision: listening to the poor, care for creation and the call to universal fraternity. A prayer vigil will follow that evening in St Peter’s Basilica, leading into the papal Mass the following morning.

The Jubilee of Consecrated Life recalls a long tradition of jubilees as moments of renewal for the Church. From the early monastic communities to the new institutes of today, consecrated life has represented a radical commitment to Christ, lived out in silence, contemplation, charity and apostolic zeal.

Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate has so far emphasised spiritual depth alongside pastoral outreach, and the event is expected to highlight the vital role of consecrated life at the heart of the Church’s mission.

The celebration in St Peter’s Square is expected to draw a large international presence, with delegations from major religious orders as well as smaller institutes and new communities.

Entrance to the Papal Mass will be free of charge and requires no ticket, though clergy who wish to concelebrate must register via the Vatican’s official portal.

(Photo by DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images.)