A Historic Jubilee: The Templars Today Enter St. Peter’s Basilica for the First Time
Rome, May 4, 2025

On a Sunday filled with spirituality and significance, Rome and the Vatican City witnessed a historic event: over 600 Templars Today — men and women from Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, the United States, Portugal, and China — gathered to celebrate the Jubilee of the Templars Today, marking the first time in history that members of the Order officially entered St. Peter’s Basilica.

The chosen date, May 4, is traditionally dedicated to the veneration of the Holy Shroud, whose image powerfully evokes the mystery of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. The Templars have long held a special bond with the Shroud, preserving its memory and symbolism through the ages. Honoring it on this day, by crossing the Holy Door, became a profound act of spiritual renewal and continuity with their ancient calling.

Their pilgrimage did not end at the Vatican. In a silent and prayerful march, the Templars completed the entire cycle of the four Holy Doors of Rome in a single day: from St. Peter’s, they walked to St. Mary Major, where they prayed at the tomb of Pope Francis; continued to St. John Lateran, Rome’s Cathedral and papal seat for nearly a millennium since the time of Emperor Constantine; and concluded at St. Paul Outside the Walls, where the closing Jubilee Mass was celebrated. In addition a prayer inside of the famous Pantehon.
During this journey, the Templars solemnly carried 17 sacred relics through the streets of Rome, including a fragment of the True Cross and a fibril of the Holy Shroud — recently entrusted to the Order after the conclusion of a scientific study conducted by a pool of international researchers. The presence of these relics added deep spiritual resonance to the pilgrimage, transforming the city streets into a living shrine of devotion and memory.

The celebration of the Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Guerino Di Tora, offering a moment of great unity and grace. Earlier, at St. John Lateran, the Templars were welcomed by Monsignor Enzo Pacelli, Canon of the Basilica, who acknowledged the historical and spiritual importance of the event.
Crossing all four papal basilicas in a single day represents, symbolically, the complete journey of faith — a testimony of conversion, devotion, and commitment. The white-cloaked Templars, marked by their red "paté" cross, captivated pilgrims and locals alike with their silence, discipline, and prayerful presence: a true “army of peace.”
But this Jubilee is not a one-day event. Throughout the Holy Year, members of the Order are engaged every weekend in a mission of custody and witness, serving pilgrims and sacred spaces in Rome. In particular, they assist along Via della Conciliazione toward St. Peter’s Square, at St. Paul Outside the Walls, at St. John Lateran, and in three other significant churches across the city — standing watch in silence and devotion, ensuring every pilgrim feels welcomed and spiritually accompanied.
The Templars Today reality, present in more than 15 nations and composed of over 3,000 members worldwide, is led by Fra Mauro Giorgio Ferretti, Magister Templi. The Order is known for its quiet and deeply traditional style, grounded in service, spiritual formation, and for the present and future of evangelization. This Jubilee marks not only a historic milestone, but also a prophetic sign for our time: a renewed call to the heart of the Church, to the meaning of pilgrimage, and to a faith truly lived, in devoted and silent prayers for the incoming Conclave and for the new Pope.

Non nobis Domine, non nobis, sed nomini Tuo da gloriam!