In brief
With the Catholic Jubilee approaching, Rome is undergoing significant changes to accommodate millions of visitors. While officials celebrate infrastructure improvements, residents worry about rising housing costs and the erosion of the city's character.
As the 2025 Catholic Jubilee approaches, Rome is bracing for an estimated 32 million visitors, prompting extensive urban renovations aimed at enhancing the city’s accessibility and aesthetics. The newly opened underpass along the Tiber River, which creates a large pedestrian zone near the Vatican, is just one of the many projects designed to prepare for the influx of pilgrims expected during the year of faith, penance, and forgiveness that occurs once every 25 years.The initiative has garnered mixed reactions from locals. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri hailed the sweeping public works, calling it a "miracle" that so many projects have progressed, yet the perspective of residents reveals underlying tensions. For instance, Martina Battista, a 23-year-old medical student, lamented her eviction from her apartment, as her landlord converted it into a bed-and-breakfast to profit from the anticipated tourist surge. While city officials promote the Jubilee as an opportunity to transform Rome into a greener and more inclusive environment, many residents feel the weight of rising living costs and disruptions from construction. The ongoing works have created a labyrinth of detours across key areas, leading to extensive traffic delays and frustrations among the city's inhabitants. As attractions are modernized and new pedestrian areas are developed, locals express concern over the loss of Rome's authenticity and communal space. Critics argue that the rush for tourist dollars may sacrifice the very essence that makes Rome unique, leading to a city that caters more to visitors than to its residents. In the coming year, as Rome prepares to welcome millions, the challenge remains for city leaders to balance the benefits of economic growth with the preservation of the vibrant culture and community enjoyed by its long-standing citizens.
