Following in the footsteps of the “Witnesses of Hope” – on the occasion of the “Jubilee of the Martyrs” during the Holy Year.

May 8 – 10, 2025

About the pilgrimage

ACN is celebrating in Rome’s most important basilicas

ACN is participating in the “Jubilee of the Martyrs”

Over 1,000 pilgrims from our national offices worldwide are taking part

Highlights

Consecration of ACN to Our Lady of Fatima and get-together in the vatican gardens.
Inspiring testimonies from project partners and celebrations in major basilicas such as St John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore
Jubilee of the Martyrs: As the ACN family, we gather with pilgrims from around the world to experience the many aspects of the suffering Church and to pray together for the martyrs of our time.

This pilgrimage with ACN is a unique opportunity to deepen your faith and experience the universal Church up close. It combines, in a very special way, prayer, encounter, and faith testimonies.

Programme

Thursday, 8 May, 2025 – Morning:
Meeting of all ACN groups at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens: consecration of ACN to Our Lady of Fatima and get-together.

Afternoon:
ACN Prayer Day “Witnesses of Hope” – Meeting and prayer with project partners from around the world at St John Lateran Basilica.

Friday, 9 May– Afternoon:
Participation in the “Jubilee of the Martyrs” with Pope Francis at St Paul Outside the Walls.

Saturday, 10 May– Afternoon:
Closing Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore.

Information for pilgrims

Important addresses

The four Papal Basilicas of Rome

St John Lateran Basilica
Address: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, 4
St Peter’s Basilica
Address: Piazza San Pietro
St Paul Outside the Walls Basilica
Address: Via Ostiense, 186
Santa Maria Maggiore
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 42

Practical information

Museum of the New Martyrs (co-financed by ACN):
Church of San Bartolomeo all’Isola, Piazza di San Bartolomeo all’Isola, 22

Pilgrim kit collection
7 May, from 12:00 pm (midday) to 8:00 pm at Centro San Lorenzo (Via Padre Pancrazio Pfeiffer, 24).

For any questions, all pilgrims should contact the leader of their national group.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)

ACN is a pontifical foundation established in 1947 that supports the Church wherever it is persecuted, oppressed, or lacks resources to carry out its pastoral mission. ACN works through prayer, information, and material aid.

As a charitable organisation, ACN is committed to the New Evangelization, striving to strengthen and deepen the Catholic Faith, especially in places where it is at risk of disappearing.

Today, ACN is a major international organisation supported by more than 350,000 benefactors, funding nearly 5,000 pastoral projects annually in about 140 countries. ACN’s international headquarters is located in Königstein im Taunus, Germany. The foundation has 24 national offices across Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, and South America, dedicated to fundraising efforts.