The origins of the Christian Jubilee

By Andrea Tornielli and Francesca Merlo

Pope Boniface VIII proclaimed the first Jubilee in the year 1300. The Christian Jubilee is a spiritual reinterpretation of the ancient Hebrew tradition. While the biblical Jubilee focused on freeing slaves, the Christian version offers liberation from sins, and from the punishment due to sin that must be faced in Purgatory.

There was an atmosphere of anticipation for the beginning of the new century, and Rome was filled with pilgrims. Those coming from outside had to visit the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul 15 times each to obtain the indulgence. 

This historical event is vividly recounted by the renowned pilgrim, Dante Alighieri.