Fátima Shrine Welcomes Record Number of Pilgrims in 2025

The Shrine of Fátima in Portugal is anticipating a record-breaking year for pilgrimage in 2025, with nearly 6.5 million visitors expected during the Jubilee of Hope. This figure, released following the 47th Meeting of Portuguese Hoteliers, represents an increase from the 6.2 million pilgrims recorded in 2024 and surpasses the pre-pandemic benchmark of 6.3 million visitors in 2019.

Pilgrim Demographics and Origins

In 2025, the Shrine registered a total of 5,608 pilgrim groups, comprising 1,276 from Portugal and 4,332 from abroad. Pilgrims hailed from 84 countries, with Europe, Asia, and the Americas being the most represented continents.

Shift in Continental Representation

Notably, 2025 marks the first year that Asia has surpassed the Americas in the number of pilgrims visiting Fátima. Asian countries accounted for 22.3% of the total, while North and South American countries represented 20%. Indonesia and Vietnam have risen in prominence, joining the list of the top 10 countries sending pilgrims to Fátima, traditionally dominated by other Asian nations like the Philippines.

Within Europe, Spain, Poland, and Italy continue to be significant sources of pilgrims. In the Americas, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico remain prominent. From Portugal, the dioceses of Porto and Lisbon contributed the largest number of pilgrim groups.

Increased Engagement with Shrine Offerings

Beyond the number of pilgrims, engagement with the Shrine’s cultural offerings has also increased. Admissions to the museums and exhibits surpassed 1 million in 2025. The House of Francisco and Jacinta Marto received 429,930 visitors, while the House of Lúcia de Jesus welcomed 421,343 pilgrims.

The information booths at the Shrine also saw a 2% increase in inquiries, serving a total of 424,206 people, including 57,592 Portuguese and 366,614 foreign visitors.

Jubilee Year and Pastoral Focus

The anticipated surge in pilgrims coincides with the Jubilee Year in the Church, and the Shrine’s new pastoral year, inaugurated on November 30, 2024, is centered on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” This theme, according to the Rector of the Shrine, Fr. Carlos Cabecinhas, is particularly relevant given the current global political instability and the prevalence of conflict. Fátima is presented as a source of hope and a reaffirmation of God’s love, offering solace in challenging times.

As a Jubilee Shrine, designated by Bishop José Ornelas, pilgrims visiting Fátima throughout 2025 may be eligible for a Jubilee indulgence, subject to fulfilling specific requirements.