Vatican downplays concerns about costs to government for Jubilee year
March 19, 2015
Vatican officials have reacted coolly to a contentious debate among Italian politicians about the potential costs the government might incur during the Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis.
Immediately after the Pope’s announcement of the Year of Mercy, which will open on December 8, some political figures began estimating the costs of accommodating the pilgrims who are expected to visit Rome during the year. In the Jubilee Year 2000, an estimated 25 million people flocked to the city.
However, Vatican officials say that plans for the Year of Mercy will involve more events throughout the world, and a comparatively modest influx of 8 million pilgrims are expected in Rome.
Regarding the costs associated with the visitors– and the business revenues that visitors might generate for Rome—Church officials have expressed disinterest. “These discussions have nothing to do with us,” one Vatican official told the ANSA news agency.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who will coordinate the Year of Mercy initiative, has met with Rome’s Mayor Ignazio Marino to begin talks about the year’s plans.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
