Scala Santa sanctuary privilege
Ascend Rome’s Holy Stairs
Devoutly ascend the Holy Stairs in veneration of Christ’s Passion.
Time required No fixed duration; complete the twenty-eight-step ascent
- When
- Any day, once daily
- Where
- Pontifical Sanctuary of the Scala Santa, Rome, Italy
- Who
- All eligible faithful
- Application
- Self or the departed
The prescribed work
- Ascend the twenty-eight Holy Stairs on your knees, according to the sanctuary’s practice.
- Recite the Creed; fulfil the ordinary plenary conditions.
The work and its conditions
A plenary indulgence also requires complete detachment from every sin, sacramental confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the Pope’s intentions, subject to the grant’s stated exceptions. The ordinary limit is one plenary indulgence per day.
Conditions common to every indulgence
The person gaining an indulgence must be baptized, not excommunicated, and in the state of grace at least when the prescribed works are completed. There must be at least a general intention to gain indulgences, and the prescribed work must be performed at the time and in the manner required by the grant.
Read the full conditions and norms. The cited grant and its specific provisions govern.
Time required
Read each branch with its own conditions. An editorial estimate is not a prescribed minimum.
Ascend the twenty-eight steps on the knees and recite the Creed
Duration varies
No fixed duration; complete the twenty-eight-step ascent
No fixed minute minimum is prescribed. The ascent itself is required; physical pace, devotion and visitor queues vary too much for a reliable single estimate.
What the time estimate excludes
- Ordinary travel to and from the venue, and waiting outside the prescribed work
- Preparation and the ordinary conditions for a plenary indulgence, unless they are themselves part of the prescribed work
Prayer texts and resources
Follow the prayer count and formula specified in the requirements. The two Creed readers are alternatives.
Source and exact reference
Prayer texts and grants have separate source histories. Consult the grant source for the prescribed work, occasion, and conditions.