Good morning everyone!
Welcome and thank you for joining us today. I extend my greetings and gratitude to His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, His Excellency Monsignor Fisichella, Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri, President of the Region Francesco Rocca, Minister Salvini, and all the other distinguished guests present. A special thank you to all the hardworking individuals who have contributed to making this project a reality within the specified timeframe.
As we prepare for the opening of the Jubilee with the Holy Father marking the beginning by opening the Holy Door, Rome is ready to welcome millions of pilgrims to St. Peter’s and the other Jubilee Basilicas. The extensive works project we are inaugurating today represents a significant investment of over EUR 85 million. This project not only aims to improve traffic flow in the area but also provides a large, secure pedestrian space capable of accommodating up to 150,000 people for the Jubilee events.
Alongside this impressive project, there are several other important initiatives that have been completed or are nearing completion. We have also focused on enhancing essential services, including hospital emergency departments, as highlighted by President Rocca.
The success of these projects in such a short span of time, while respecting the historical significance of Rome, is a testament to the collaborative effort of all involved parties. I want to express my appreciation to ANAS, Ferrovie dello Stato, the design team, workers, and experts for their dedication.
This achievement is also attributed to the effective coordination established by the Government through a steering committee involving various stakeholders. The proactive approach adopted by the Government, in addressing challenges as they arose, has been instrumental in the timely completion of the projects.
Despite encountering obstacles during the excavation, such as the discovery of parts of a Roman villa, the project remained on schedule. This demonstrates our ability to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results when we work together with determination.
I believe this collaborative approach, which I would like to term the ‘Jubilee method’, showcases our capacity to deliver efficiently and promptly when motivated by significant objectives. This spirit of dedication should extend beyond major events like the Jubilee to everyday endeavors that contribute to the well-being of our citizens.
As we look forward to welcoming millions of visitors during the Holy Year, let us remember that the essence of the Jubilee goes beyond economic opportunities. It is a time for introspection and spiritual growth, prompting us to focus on what truly matters in our lives.
Just as pilgrims embark on a journey with only the essentials in their backpacks, may we too streamline our priorities in the year ahead, shedding the unnecessary to move forward purposefully. Let us strive to identify and cherish what is truly essential in our lives.
Thank you all and wishing you a joyous holiday season!
[Courtesy translation]
