The Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, Francisco José Prieto, has invited Pope Leo XIV to take part in the celebrations of the next Holy Year, which will take place in 2027. The invitation was extended on August 27, at the end of the general audience at the Vatican, during the traditional greetings exchanged between the Pope and Church representatives.
Prieto’s visit to Rome was part of a diocesan pilgrimage organized by the Archdiocese of Santiago. During his meeting with Leo XIV, the archbishop highlighted the symbolic importance of a papal visit, underlining how significant the Pope’s presence at the tomb of the Apostle James would be for both the city and its pilgrims.
According to the archdiocese, the archbishop conveyed “the hope and enthusiasm of the entire diocesan Church” in preparing for the event. Pope Leo XIV expressed his gratitude for the invitation and noted that any decision regarding a visit to Santiago would be handled through the Vatican’s usual diplomatic channels.
Santiago de Compostela is one of Europe’s most important Christian pilgrimage destinations and the resting place of the relics of the Apostle James the Greater, brother of the Evangelist John. The Holy Year is celebrated whenever July 25, the date commemorating the martyrdom of the apostle, falls on a Sunday, a periodic occurrence that follows a cycle of eleven, six, five and six years.
In the 21st century, Santiago de Compostela has already celebrated three Holy Years: in 2004, 2010 and 2021, with the latter exceptionally extended by one additional year by decision of Pope Francis due to the covid-19 pandemic. After 2027, the following Holy Years are scheduled for 2032, 2038 and 2049.
