The Vatican laid down some guidelines for how Catholics could receive the plenary indulgences announced by Pope Francis as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year:
- Go to confession and get those sins forgiven.
- Go to Mass and receive Communion.
- Truly repent. Pledge to be detached, with God’s help, from all sin.
- Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the intentions of the Holy Father.
Once those first requirements are filled, do one of the indulgences devotions suggested by the pope, including:
- Make a pilgrimage to one of the designated churches in Rome or elsewhere. (Many are in Italy and the Holy Land, but the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., was the only national site designated by U.S. bishops.)
- Perform an extraordinary work of mercy — give a generous gift to the poor, or visit a nursing home or prison.
- Participate in local devotions or visit a local cathedral, shrine, or other special church designated by your bishop for obtaining the Jubilee indulgence.
- Fast at least one day a week from “futile distractions” such as social media, TV, video games, or entertainment apps.
