Celebrations are underway across Rome as the Catholic Church begins its 2025 Jubilee. Anticipating massive crowds, the city has undergone significant infrastructural improvements. However, this influx of tourists isn’t universally welcomed by the local population.
Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, December 24th, marking the beginning of this tradition which occurs every 25 years. Catholics from around the world will make pilgrimages to Rome, with organizers expecting as many as 32 million tourists – 10 million more than the previous record.
While the Jubilee brings a significant economic boost through tourism, many Romans are concerned about the rising cost of living. Housing experts, speaking to *The Washington Post*, reported a 10% increase in rent per square foot in October compared to the same month the previous year, a surge directly attributed to the Jubilee’s impact. Overcrowding and disruptions caused by ongoing construction projects are also major sources of local frustration.
The national government invested $5 billion in projects to revitalize the city for the Holy Year, marking the most extensive urban renewal since the 1960 Olympic Games. Rome’s Trevi Fountain reopened on December 22nd following months of restoration, but city officials are considering charging visitors to manage crowds and promote “sustainable tourism.”
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, acknowledged the residents’ concerns to *The Washington Post*, but emphasized the event’s infrequent occurrence. “We cannot say ‘No, we don’t want it’,” Gualtieri stated. “Romans, of course, are not happy because it’s inconvenient. But they are also happy… they know we are transforming the city.” The influx of tourists also benefits local businesses whose livelihoods depend heavily on tourism.