Jubilee roadworks: the newly configured Piazza Risorgimento inaugurated
The historic Piazza Risorgimento, located just a few steps from St. Peter's Basilica, reopened to the public today after a major redevelopment project which saw it being largely pedestrianized ahead of the Jubilee. The inauguration, which took place this morning, was attended by the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Undersecretary of State Alfredo Mantovano and the Mayor of Rome and Government Commissioner for the Jubilee Roberto Gualtieri.
The main objective of the project was to make the piazza a more welcoming, accessible and functional space, both for residents and for the millions of pilgrims and tourists who will pass through it during the Holy Year.
“We are truly happy because [Piazza Risorgimento] will become once more a meeting place and not just a place which people pass through. Just as it was originally conceived and created, it will once again become a space for children, families, tourists, pilgrims and all those who come here to find not only the path to the Holy Door but also a place to rest and contemplate,” said Archbishop Fisichella.
The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, said: "A unique event like the Jubilee of Hope, which will begin soon, is an extraordinary moment for all Catholics but also for all of humanity because it speaks of values and principles so profound and universal that Rome will once more become the center of the world, a place of hope, pilgrimage, faith and meeting between peoples.”
Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano commented: "In a few hours the Pope will open the Holy Door and that will be an important moment for everyone. But our Working Group will continue to operate throughout the Jubilee to ensure that the works still to be carried out are completed and that the reception of pilgrims, which is the most important thing from the civil authorities' side, is guaranteed to the best of our ability."
The major works carried out at Piazza Risorgimento, like all the others carried out ahead of the Jubilee, are a concrete proof of the commitment of the city of Rome to enhance its historical and cultural heritage, making it at the same time more accessible and livable for all during the Holy Year.