PESARO, Italy - A special train organized by FS Treni Turistici Italiani marked the first of its kind for the Jubilee 2025, transporting over 600 pilgrims from Pesaro to Rome. The chartered train left on the night of February 22, 2025, celebrating the rich traditions of faith and community, and aiming to facilitate the pilgrimage experience for many faithful.
Departing just before midnight, the 12-car train made stops at Fano and Fossato di Vico along its route to the Basilica of San Pietro, where pilgrims could cross the Holy Door—a significant act for many as they engage with the themes of renewal and hope central to the Jubilee.
Among those on board were members of the 'Pellegrini di Speranza' Association, accompanied by Monsignor Sandro Salvucci, the Archbishop of Pesaro and Urbino. This event, described by officials as historical, not only marks the commencement of the pilgrimage season but also highlights the importance of railway travel as sustainable transport for significant religious events.
"A beautiful atmosphere for a unique event; this is the first Jubilee train realized in Italy, and we are pleased it departed from Pesaro," remarked Mayor Andrea Biancani, greeting the pilgrims and urging them to spread messages of peace and solidarity. "'Be the hope' — let’s send messages of peace, solidarity, and brotherhood from our beautiful city," he concluded, embodying the spirit of the Jubilee's calling.
The event resonates deeply within the framework of the Jubilee 2025, which calls for collective reflection and unity. With over 1,300 pilgrims participating via multiple means of transport, including ten buses, this initiative exemplifies the confluence of travel and spirituality, offering the faithful not just transportation but also the opportunity to partake in something larger than themselves.
The special train not only reflects the significance of the pilgrimage but also supports the broader objective of promoting religious tourism through environmentally friendly practices. "Thanks to this charter, hundreds of faithful can spend the day in Rome to cross the Holy Door before heading back home," stated FS Treni Turistici Italiani, underscoring the role of the train service this Jubilee year.
For many of the pilgrims, this day marked not only a religious occasion but also the reaffirmation of community and connection, as they traveled together for this shared purpose. This inaugural train for the Jubilee stands as a tribute to the collaborative spirit of the local government, the church, and transportation services, working together to uphold the ideals of hope and fraternity.
With new historical milestones being set, the pilgrimage season of 2025 is shaping up to be one of participation and collective unity, inviting both residents and visitors to embrace the call of peace and solidarity, and reminding all of the enduring values of compassion and faith.
Looking forward to more events like this, the city of Pesaro reinforces its commitment to sustainability and community involvement through the Jubilee 2025. The culmination of efforts across various groups highlights the dedication to making such pilgrim experiences accessible and meaningful, and as they train home, the faithful carry with them not just memories but messages of hope for the times to come.