The Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Santa María de Guadalupe opened the Guadalupan Jubilee Year this Monday, October 12, 2026, granted by Pope Leo XIV through the Apostolic Penitentiary, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the New Basilica. The jubilee will extend until October 12, 2027, and will allow the faithful to obtain a plenary indulgence under the conditions established by the Church.
The date brings together three significant moments for Guadalupan devotion: the pontifical coronation of the image, authorized by Pope Leo XIII and celebrated on October 12, 1895; the transfer of the sacred image from the Old Basilica to its new enclosure on October 12, 1976; and now, fifty years later, the opening of this jubilee time.
The opening celebration was preceded by a procession that gathered some of the signs evoking the presence of Santa María de Guadalupe and the love of her people over time. Among them were the original crown from the pontifical coronation, a diadem given by Pope Francis in 2016, a rose sent by Pope Leo XIV, and the key with which the New Basilica was opened five decades ago.
The Eucharistic celebration was the center of this historic event. In his homily, Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes presented the Guadalupan Jubilee Year as an opportunity to encounter God and renew the path of faith. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke (19:41-44), which recounts how Jesus wept as he contemplated Jerusalem, the prelate invited the faithful to recognize the opportunity they have today to draw closer to God. To this end, he highlighted the words of the Gospel: «If this day you only knew what makes for peace.» He also expressed that Mary’s presence is a reason for hope for her people: «Today is an opportunity to remember that we have a mother who has revealed to us the true God for whom we live and who watches over us and listens to our prayers.»
This invitation to draw closer to God and recognize the path that leads to peace found echo in the communal prayer, in which bishops, priests, religious sisters and brothers, and laypeople joined in deep devotion before the sacred image. The prayer recalled Mary’s encounter with her cousin Elizabeth and the words of amazement with which Elizabeth expressed her admiration at the visit of the Mother of God: «Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?» With the same attitude of amazement and gratitude, the prayer gave voice to another question addressed to the sacred image: «What did you see in these lands that made you come to Tepeyac?» «Undoubtedly, the faith of our ancestors and your permanent desire to continue, generation after generation, making your Son Jesus known to us,» was the response. The homily, extended in this communal prayer, concluded with an act of thanksgiving to Pope Leo XIV for the grace of this Jubilee Year. Prayers were also entrusted for those who made the construction of the New Basilica possible and for the pilgrims who arrive at the sanctuary with their joys, concerns, and hopes, seeking the help and maternal love of Santa María de Guadalupe.
In this atmosphere of deep gratitude, the words of Pope Leo XIV were heard, inviting the Mexican people to renew their evangelizing mission. In his message, the Pontiff called for commemorating this anniversary spiritually united with Mary, «Mother of the true God for whom we live,» and to give thanks for the Christian roots that have marked the history and faith of the Mexican people, reaffirming the commitment to proclaim the Gospel. He also exhorted the faithful to continue this mission with renewed ardor, so that «the light of the Word of God, the consolation of the sacraments, the aid of prayer may reach everyone, and charitable and fraternal help to those most in need may never be lacking.» Finally, Pope Leo XIV invoked the maternal protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe upon all those present and imparted the apostolic blessing, which he extended also to their families and loved ones.
Context and relevance
Celebrating the jubilee of the New Basilica recalls a desire that lies at the heart of Guadalupan history: «I greatly wish, I greatly desire that here they build me my sacred little house,» Santa María de Guadalupe asked Saint Juan Diego. Since then, Tepeyac became a place of encounter for those who come to the Virgin seeking consolation, presenting their concerns, and sharing their hopes with her. Over time, the arrival of thousands of pilgrims made necessary the construction of a new enclosure that could welcome those coming from different places to encounter the Mother of God.
On October 12, 1976, the sacred image was solemnly transferred to its new home, the Insigne y Nacional Basílica de Guadalupe. With greater capacity to receive pilgrims, the temple became a place of encounter for those arriving from all parts of the world seeking the love and tenderness of a Mother. Fifty years after that event, the celebration also looks toward 2031, when the 500th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe will be commemorated. On this path of preparation, October 11 and 12 were marked by the joy of a people gathering with their Mother. The Mass of the Roses, presided over by Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes; the solemn opening of the Holy Door; the Archdiocesan Rosary; and a commemorative concert were expressions of gratitude and love for Santa María de Guadalupe.
Thus, fifty years after the transfer of the sacred image, the New Basilica remains much more than an enclosure capable of receiving millions of people: it is that «sacred little house» where every pilgrim can feel welcomed by Mary and place before her their life, their sorrows, and their hopes. Thousands of faithful participated in the Eucharistic celebration for the opening of the Guadalupan Jubilee Year at the New Basilica of Guadalupe, among them chinelos dancers, representatives of the cultural tradition of Morelos, Mexico.
Original source: www.vaticannews.va (published on October 14, 2026)
