Plan a pilgrimageHoly Years & indulgences · YOUR QUESTION, ANSWERED
To obtain a plenary indulgence on pilgrimage, a Catholic performs the indulgenced work, for example a devout visit to one of the four papal basilicas in Rome or to a designated shrine with the Our Father and the Creed, and fulfills four conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Pope (an Our Father and Hail Mary suffice), and complete detachment from all sin, even venial. The Apostolic Penitentiary states that confession and Communion may be completed within about 20 days before or after, and that only one plenary indulgence may be gained per day.
One confession can cover several plenary indulgences, but a separate Communion and prayer for the Pope are required for each. The indulgence may be applied to oneself or to the dead.
Standing indulgenced sites include the four papal basilicas, the Porziuncola at Assisi on August 2, Santiago de Compostela in a Holy Year such as 2027, and Lourdes, Fatima, and many national shrines on designated days (Manual of Indulgences, 1999).
Official sources cover institutional information. Suggested pacing and itinerary choices are planning guidance. Check current arrangements for your travel dates.