Rome: Indulgence Field Guide
The most concentrated treasury of indulgences in the Church. Come to work.
To gain a plenary indulgence: sacramental confession (within approximately 20 days), holy communion (same day), prayer for the Pope's intentions, and complete detachment from sin.
St. Peter's Basilica
Rome. The tomb of the Prince of the Apostles. One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches.
Plenary indulgence attached to pious visitation as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches. During Jubilee years, passing through the Holy Door earns the Jubilee plenary indulgence.
- Visit and pray at the tomb of St. Peter — descend to the Vatican Grottoes
- During Jubilee: pass through the Holy Door
- The papal blessing Urbi et Orbi (received in person or via radio/TV) carries its own plenary indulgence under standard conditions
St. John Lateran
Rome. The Pope's cathedral as Bishop of Rome. One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches.
Plenary indulgence attached to pious visitation. Jubilee Holy Door indulgence applies during Jubilee years.
- Visit and pray in the basilica
- During Jubilee: pass through the Holy Door
Scala Sancta
Rome. Twenty-eight steps tradition holds Christ ascended before Pilate, brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena. Directly across the piazza from St. John Lateran.
Plenary indulgence attached to ascending all twenty-eight steps on one's knees.
- Ascend every step on your knees, praying on each
- The Sancta Sanctorum chapel at the top is the ancient private chapel of the popes — pause there
St. Mary Major
Rome. The greatest Marian basilica in Rome. One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches.
Plenary indulgence attached to pious visitation.
- Visit and pray before the icon Salus Populi Romani in the Borghese (Pauline) Chapel
- During Jubilee: pass through the Holy Door
St. Paul Outside the Walls
Rome. Built over the tomb of the Apostle Paul. One of the Seven Pilgrim Churches.
Plenary indulgence attached to pious visitation.
- Pray at the confessio directly over St. Paul's tomb
- During Jubilee: pass through the Holy Door
The Seven Churches Pilgrimage
Rome. The circuit of seven ancient pilgrim churches walked by St. Philip Neri's community from the 1550s onward.
Plenary indulgence attached to completing the full circuit with devout prayer at each church.
The seven: St. Sebastian, St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, Holy Cross in Jerusalem, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, St. Peter's, St. Paul Outside the Walls. Traditionally walked overnight on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday; organized pilgrimages run throughout the year.
- Visit all seven churches and pray devoutly at each
- Walking the full route (~12–14 miles) is traditional but not required for the indulgence
Santa Maria in Aracoeli
Rome. Ancient Franciscan basilica atop the Capitoline Hill.
Partial indulgence for a devout visit. Any specific plenary grants: Verify locally with the basilica or the Apostolic Penitentiary.