Pilgrims of Hope: 357 believers experience an unforgettable pilgrimage to Rome

Pilgrims of Hope: 357 believers experience an unforgettable pilgrimage to Rome

In October 2025, a moving pilgrimage to Rome took place, bringing together 357 pilgrims from the diocese of Speyer. On the occasion of the holy year under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, the trip was a sign of faith and community. The group was accompanied by Bishop Dr. Karl-Heinz Wiesemann, Auxiliary Bishop Otto Georgens and Vicar General Markus Magin, who offered the pilgrims both spiritual support and interesting insights.

The journey to Rome was as varied as the pilgrims themselves. Whether by plane, bus or even on foot along the St. Francis Way from Assisi - everyone found their own route. The common part of the pilgrimage began on October 19th with the important passage through the Holy Door of the Lateran Basilica. A moving moment that brought the participants together and underlined the historical context of the Holy Year.

An unforgettable program

The pilgrims had the opportunity to visit the impressive Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and experience a moment of reflection at the tomb of Pope Francis. On the first evening they celebrated a festive opening service in the church of Santo Stefano Rotondo, accompanied by music from the pilgrimage choir under the direction of Martin Erhard.

The second day took the group through the city's history, starting at the venerable St. Peter's Basilica, where the Holy Door was passed through again. In an impressive sermon, Vicar General Magin spoke about the faith and symbolism of the cathedral altar. After an inspiring morning, the pilgrims were able to enjoy various themed city tours - from beginner tours to explorations of the charming districts such as Trastevere and Centro Storico, which are not on the classic tourist program.

Highlights and encounters

The third day was marked by a service in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, followed by a musical devotion in S. Maria dell’Anima. Filled with emotions and experiences, the main highlight of the pilgrimage was the general audience with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square, where over 60,000 believers came together. Bishop Wiesemann and other participants also had the opportunity to meet the Pope personally and share their experiences.

The pilgrimage was also a complete success for the pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Hamburg, who embarked on a similar journey at the same time. The places were fully booked within a few weeks, and increased participation opportunities quickly found their fans. Over 100 teenagers and young adults took part, embedded in a diverse program with explorations of the city and a light procession. A pilgrimage book with prayers and songs accompanied the groups and created a further spiritual framework for the journey. The highlights were the Holy Mass with Archbishop Stefan Heße and the crossing of the Holy Door again before the audience with Pope Leo XIV. Many travelers also took the opportunity to explore on their own and joined the joint program.

An impressive detail of this pilgrimage is the visit to the Campo Santo Teutonico, the German cemetery in the Vatican, where there is also the opportunity to take part in a church service. In addition to breakfast at the hotel, other important churches such as the main church of S. Giovanni in Laterano were also on the program. S. Lorenzo fuori le mura, a destination of the seven churches pilgrimage, could not be missed either. The bones of Saints Lawrence and Stephen rest here, which are brought to life on local tours through frescoes from the 13th century.

The conclusion of the pilgrimage took place in the church of S. Andrea della Valle. Bishop Wiesemann then expressed himself very positively about the pilgrims' experiences: "We were richly rewarded and experienced new hope in faith." This pilgrimage was not only a spiritual experience, but also an opportunity for cultural exchange and shared experience.