In brief
The city is preparing for the 2025 Catholic Jubilee, leading to extensive renovations aimed at beautifying Rome. But locals worry about rising housing costs and losing the city's essence amidst the tourist wave.
The bustling streets of Rome are getting a makeover as officials anticipate a massive influx of pilgrims for the 2025 Catholic Jubilee, expected to attract 32 million visitors. This surge has led to major infrastructure projects, including a newly opened underpass near the Vatican, which aims to ease congestion and expand pedestrian zones. However, for residents, this transformation is a double-edged sword. While the mayor boasts about the improvements and the city's greener vision, many locals like 23-year-old medical student Martina Battista feel the pinch of rising rents as landlords convert homes into lucrative short-term rentals. The mixed feelings about the Jubilee project are palpable among residents—some celebrate the initiative, while others face the harsh realities of construction chaos, detours, and the fear of losing their neighborhood’s unique character amidst swarms of tourists. As Rome balances modernization with tradition, the challenge remains: how to welcome the world without losing its soul.
