Sanctuary of Santiago welcomes the 500,000th pilgrim

The Camino de Santiago reached a new milestone on Sunday, October 19, with the arrival of its 500,000th pilgrim at the Cathedral of Santiago. The milestone was marked by Colombian pilgrim Jairo Forero, who walked the Portuguese Route from Baiona accompanied by his son, Nicolás, in memory of his wife and mother, who passed away in December 2024.

The symbolic ceremony took place at the Oficina del Peregrino (Pilgrim Reception Point) and was attended by the Archbishop of Santiago, Francisco Prieto, and the President of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda. On the occasion, the Archbishop highlighted that the Camino “profoundly transforms those who walk it, allowing them to discover themselves as pilgrims and to arrive in Santiago with tired feet but a heart renewed by the experience.”

According to the same institution, of the more than 500,000 pilgrims who have completed the journey so far, around 280,000 are from abroad, mostly from Europe. Latin America also maintains a strong presence, led by 6,408 Argentinians and 5,836 Colombians, followed by Venezuelans, Chileans, Uruguayans, and Puerto Ricans.

Santiago de Compostela is one of only five cities in the world with the privilege of celebrating perpetual Jubilee Years, alongside Jerusalem, Rome, Santo Toribio de Liébana, and Caravaca de la Cruz. The Holy Year takes place whenever July 25 — the feast of Saint James — falls on a Sunday. In the 21st century, the Archdiocese celebrated Holy Years in 2004, 2010, and 2021, the latter exceptionally extended by decision of Pope Francis. The next ones will occur in 2027, 2032, 2038, and 2049.

During a Jubilee Year, the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence by visiting the tomb of the Apostle, praying, going to confession, and receiving communion. This privilege, which can also be applied to the souls of the deceased, reinforces the spiritual and universal dimension of the Camino de Santiago — today more alive than ever.