Rome Gears Up for 2025 Jubilee: A City Divided Between Opportunity and Loss

The long-awaited underpass near the Vatican has opened amid preparations for the massive tourist surge expected during the 2025 Catholic Jubilee. While city officials celebrate the improvements, locals fear that the transformation might erode the essence of Roman life.

Rome is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares for the Catholic Jubilee in 2025, a monumental event poised to attract 32 million pilgrims. Recently, a newly constructed underpass was unveiled, promising to alleviate the notorious traffic congestion plaguing the city. This endeavor marks a significant step in transforming Rome into a more pedestrian-friendly environment, particularly around the Vatican.

City officials, including Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, have hailed the infrastructure projects as a miraculous opportunity for revitalization. “It's a miracle that so many public works have been completed,” he commented enthusiastically. However, the jubilation among local government is met with mixed emotions by Roman residents, some of whom have felt the negative ramifications of this transformation.

Among the discontent is Martina Battista, a 23-year-old medical student who recently lost her apartment, as her landlord shifted accommodations to cater to tourists seeking short-term rentals for the Jubilee year. “It’s been an ordeal,” she lamented, reflecting the sentiments of many residents concerned about escalating housing costs that threaten to displace long-time locals.

While the administration aims to create a greener, more inclusive city, the surge in tourism is set to challenge the daily lives of the residents. Construction sites scattered across Rome have led to extended detours, creating frustration among locals already burdened by the promise of increased foot traffic and tourists.

Though the embellishments - such as newly repaved streets and pedestrian squares - might paint an attractive picture for visitors, many Romans worry that the charm and character that define the city could be lost in the rush toward modernization for the sake of accommodating millions. As the countdown to the Jubilee begins, the dialogue between the aspirations of city officials and the reality faced by residents underscores a critical juncture in Rome's storied history.