Vatican City: The Vatican has listed a pilgrimage organized by LGBT Catholic group La Tenda di Gionata (Jonathan’s Tent) in its official calendar for the 2025 Holy Year, signaling a notable gesture of inclusivity by the Roman Catholic Church. The Holy Year, also known as the Jubilee, is set to attract around 32 million visitors to Rome.
The event, scheduled for September 2025, includes a prayer vigil at a local parish in Rome, followed by a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica. La Tenda di Gionata aims to foster acceptance of LGBT individuals within the Church.
Agnese Palmucci, spokesperson for the Vatican’s evangelization office, clarified that the listing of the group on the calendar does not equate to endorsement or sponsorship of its activities. “They are not sponsored activities,” Palmucci said, emphasizing that the calendar primarily aims to manage logistics and ensure all pilgrims can participate in Jubilee traditions, such as passing through the “Holy Doors” of Rome’s major basilicas.
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The Jubilee, which begins on Christmas Eve 2024 and concludes on January 6, 2026, occurs every 25 years and is a significant spiritual event for Catholics. Pilgrims travel from across the globe to partake in its sacred rituals.
Pope Francis has been lauded for fostering a more inclusive Church, including permitting priests to bless same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. This openness aligns with his broader vision of building bridges with marginalized communities.
