Jubilee of People with Disabilities in Rome
A Global Celebration of Inclusion and Faith
On April 28–29, 2025, thousands of pilgrims from over 90 countries gathered in Rome to participate in the Jubilee of People with Disabilities, a significant event within the Catholic Church's Holy Year celebrations. This Jubilee aimed to honor and uplift individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their integral role within the Church and society.
A Welcoming Pilgrimage
The Jubilee commenced with a pilgrimage to the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizing a passage into a renewed spiritual journey. Participants had the opportunity for confession and Eucharistic adoration at the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini. The day culminated in a Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, presided over by Archbishop Rino Fisichella. In his homily, Archbishop Fisichella emphasized the importance of transforming the perception of individuals with disabilities from "them" to "us," advocating for genuine inclusion without rhetoric or exceptionalism.
Personal Stories of Faith and Resilience
Among the attendees was 18-year-old Anna Maria Gargiulo from Perugia, Italy, who, despite being blind from birth, expressed a hopeful vision: "I pray for a better world, I pray for a world where inclusion becomes a normality." Similarly, Davide Andreoli, a 32-year-old from Ferrara living with cerebral palsy, shared his joy in participating in the Jubilee and his prayers for the late Pope Francis.
Grace Arnold, a 19-year-old from Kansas City with Down syndrome, attended the Jubilee with her mother, Patricia. Patricia highlighted the significance of the event in providing her daughter with a sense of belonging to the global Church community.
Continuing the Legacy of Inclusion
The Jubilee also featured catechesis sessions, communal meals, and celebrations in the Gardens of Castel Sant'Angelo, fostering a spirit of unity and joy among participants. Speakers like Marta Russo, president of the association "Diritti Diretti," called for a cultural revolution to promote accessibility and inclusion, especially among the youth.
This Jubilee served as a testament to the Church's commitment to embracing all its members, reinforcing the message that every individual, regardless of ability, holds a valuable place within the faith community.