In brief
As Rome prepares for the arrival of 32 million pilgrims during the 2025 Catholic Jubilee, local residents express worries about housing costs and disruptions to their community, despite city officials celebrating urban improvements aimed at accommodating the surge.
As Rome braces for the expected influx of 32 million visitors during the Catholic Jubilee in 2025, local residents are increasingly anxious about the potential consequences for their beloved city. City officials, proud of the preparations underway, have launched several infrastructure projects, including a newly opened underpass intended to ease traffic congestion and create pedestrian-friendly spaces.On Monday, after extended disruptions to local transit systems, authorities celebrated the completion of the underpass along the Tiber River, creating a large pedestrian zone linking the Vatican and surrounding areas. "It’s a miracle" to see so many public works completed, remarked Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri. However, the jubilation is marred for many residents by the threat of rising housing costs and changes to the character of Rome as landlords convert apartments into short-term rentals for tourists.The Jubilee, set to occur every 25 years, represents a remarkable moment of faith and introspection for pilgrims, but it also casts a long shadow over the lives of those who call Rome home. Young locals, like medical student Martina Battista, share their frustration. After being evicted to make way for a bed-and-breakfast, Battista laments the changes transforming her city.Officials see the Jubilee as an opportunity to refurbish and promote a greener Rome through numerous planned enhancements. Still, the mounting displeasure among citizens grows as construction projects disrupt daily life and congest roadways in key areas of the city. The tension between visitor-focused developments and the authentic experiences of locals raises questions about the future of Rome as a vibrant city steeped in history and culture.
