In brief
Rome prepares to host millions of visitors while grappling with rising costs and changes to its character.
With preparations ramping up ahead of the anticipated influx of 32 million visitors for the 2025 Catholic Jubilee, Rome is simultaneously celebrating urban transformations and grappling with the concerns of its residents. A newly inaugurated underpass along the Tiber River has opened up a considerable pedestrian zone that aims to facilitate access to the Vatican and alleviate long-standing traffic congestion.The Jubilee, a monumental event within the Catholic Church occurring every 25 years, is heralded by officials as a chance to revitalize the city. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri called the series of public works completed in anticipation "a miracle." However, locals like 23-year-old medical student Martina Battista voice their frustrations. She found herself evicted from her home, which her landlord is converting into a bed-and-breakfast to profit from the expected tourist boom.While the city is undergoing a refashioning to make it appear more welcoming and environmentally conscious, the overwhelming demand for housing and services during the Jubilee raises alarm bells. Renovations and construction have led to major detours and traffic snarls, leaving residents feeling dislocated in their own city.Officials celebrate the potential economic benefits and the modernization projects aimed at providing a greener, friendlier Rome for its guests. Yet, with the anticipated influx of tourists, many locals fear that their beloved city’s essence may be lost to commercialization and soaring property prices. As tourism takes center stage, the challenge will be finding harmony between welcoming guests and preserving the unique character of the Eternal City.
