For the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee Year , the late Pope Francis selected the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." During this time, which began Dec. 24, 2024, Pope Francis encouraged people to encounter Christ through pilgrimages to sacred spaces .

Since Pope Leo XIV's election, he has also embraced pilgrimages.

In July, he said, “A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith for it removes us from our homes and our daily routines and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply,” as reported by the Catholic News Agency.

Louisiana archdioceses have designated pilgrimage sites for visitors to celebrate and observe the Jubilee, which ends Jan. 6.

"In most religions, the idea of a pilgrimage is sacred," said the Rev. Msgr. Keith Derouen of Opelousas. "I suspect that, for

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