Nearly 33.5 million pilgrims from across the globe journeyed to Rome during the Jubilee Year, a sign of the Church’s enduring ability to draw the faithful toward prayer, conversion, and hope. The figures were presented at a Vatican press conference by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Holy See’s chief coordinator for the Jubilee, as the Church prepared for the Holy Father to formally conclude the Holy Year with the closing of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pilgrims arrived from 185 countries, surpassing initial projections that estimated just over 31 million visitors. Europe accounted for the majority of participants, with nearly two-thirds of pilgrims coming from the continent. Italy naturally led the way, followed by significant numbers from the United States, Spain, Brazil, and Poland. North America represented the second largest regional presence, underscoring the Jubilee’s truly global reach.

While the scale of attendance was historic, Church leaders emphasized that the deeper meaning of the Jubilee cannot be measured by numbers alone. The Holy Year was fundamentally spiritual in character, centered on renewing hearts and strengthening faith. Throughout the year, Rome witnessed an extraordinary movement of people drawn by a desire for prayer, repentance, and reconciliation with God. Papal Basilicas and major sites of devotion experienced unprecedented participation, especially at confessionals and places associated with the indulgence, which reached countless pilgrims seeking God’s mercy.

As the Jubilee concludes, its spiritual fruits are expected to endure. The Holy Year was intended as a moment to renew Christian hope, in accordance with its guiding theme, and Church leaders expressed confidence that the signs of grace experienced throughout the year will continue to bear fruit in lives shaped by peace, trust, and fidelity to Christ.

A defining feature of the Jubilee was the service of thousands of volunteers, whose quiet generosity supported pilgrims at every stage of their journey. Approximately 5,000 volunteers served throughout the year, with an additional 2,000 members of the Order of Malta assisting with medical and first aid services at the four Papal Basilicas. Their presence was a concrete witness to Christian charity in an age often marked by individualism.

As the Holy Door closes, the Jubilee Year stands as a testament to the Church’s mission to gather God’s people, foster conversion, and proclaim hope to the world, not only in Rome, but far beyond it.