Rome’s Jubilee 2025: Balancing Tourist Influx and Local Concerns

Rome is torn between embracing the upcoming Jubilee's tourism boom and preserving the essence of its vibrant community, as new infrastructure promises to change the city's landscape.

As Rome enhances its urban landscape in anticipation of the 2025 Catholic Jubilee, which is expected to attract 32 million visitors, residents are voicing concerns over soaring living costs and a potential loss of the city's cultural identity.

Recently, a new underpass was inaugurated to alleviate a long-standing traffic crisis caused by extensive construction aimed at facilitating the expected wave of pilgrims. This underpass connects the Tiber River area with the Vatican, opening up what is now Rome’s largest pedestrian zone—a symbol of the city's makeover ahead of the religious event.

While the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, heralds the extensive public works as a "miracle," sentiments from the local populace reveal a divided perspective. Young residents like Martina Battista, a medical student, report distressing personal impacts from the Jubilee preparations, such as eviction in favor of short-term rentals for tourists.

Despite the city's efforts to construct green spaces and improve accessibility for the anticipated influx, many locals remain frustrated by ongoing detours and rampant traffic congestion resulting from the numerous construction sites. The juxtaposition of beautification projects against the backdrop of disruption calls into question whether the structural improvements will outweigh the negative impacts on daily life for Romans.

With the Jubilee promising a blend of religious significance and economic opportunity, the challenge remains to balance the benefits of increased tourism with the preservation of the intrinsic character of Rome, making it crucial for city officials to consider the voices of long-term residents during this pivotal transformation.