Jubilee 2025: institutional working group and coordination committee meet at Palazzo Chigi

A joint meeting of the institutional working group and the coordination committee for the Jubilee of the Catholic Church in 2025 was held today at Palazzo Chigi, chaired by Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano.

At the start of the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Special government commissioner, the Ministry of Justice and the Holy See, with the drawing up of a detailed operational document to follow, regarding suitable prisoners carrying out maintenance and other work, also in order for them to develop professional skills that can help with their reintegration into society. The agreement expresses the shared intention for the Jubilee of Hope to build on the experiences of the Extraordinary Jubilee of 2015 and the sensitivity shown by the Holy Father and provide for the opening of a Holy Door inside a prison.

The Special Government Commissioner for the Jubilee, Roberto Gualtieri, reported on the progress of preparations, providing a specific update on the projects in Piazza Pia and Piazza dei Cinquecento, the Lungotevere Castello car park project, the redevelopment of Piazza Risorgimento and the modernisation of the Ponte dell’Industria bridge, as well as on the planned works projects outside the city of Rome and healthcare-related projects.
The ‘Caput Mundi’ plan was found to still be on schedule to reach 50% of progress by the deadline of 31 December, also following the inspection visit by the European Commission, with ongoing supervision and close monitoring of the progress of works projects. Together with Undersecretary of State Mantovano, Commissioner Gualtieri, Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio, and Pro-Prefect of the Holy See's Dicastery for Evangelization Monsignor Rino Fisichella were also present at the signing. 

With regard to event organisation, attendees shared the opportunity to concentrate the events to be attended by the Holy Father in the area of St. Peter’s Square/Via della Conciliazione/Piazza Pia/Piazza Risorgimento, keeping just the World Youth Day event in the area of Tor Vergata. Other side events may be held in different locations, to be chosen based on the organisational requirements arising; with regard to the agreement between the Special Government Commissioner’s office and the Holy See, extensive site inspections and planning activities are underway to define logistics as well as safety and security needs.

With respect to higher costs for additional and unforeseen organisational requirements, the Ministry of Economy and Finance is assessing the possible scope for action. Possible sponsorship contracts in the healthcare, mobility and transport and food sectors are also being looked into.

Regarding hospitality services and assistance for vulnerable people, an alternative to the tent structure planned in the Termini station area has been identified in Piazza di Porta San Lorenzo. A reception centre will be built using prefabricated units, pending the design of a permanent structure, to move beyond an emergency logic and provide a structural solution in line with the existing facilities in that area.

RAI has begun a coordination working group, involving also the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), Monsignor Fisichella and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, regarding coverage and information material for the Jubilee. The President of the National Committee for commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, Davide Rondoni, outlined the numerous connections between the Jubilee and the Franciscan event in 2026, including the San Francesco a Ripa church in Rome, which holds the stone where the patron saint of Italy once rested his head. 

Lastly, the company Giubileo 2025 S.p.A. presented its regular six-monthly report.

In addition to Undersecretary of State Mantovano, Commissioner Gualtieri and Monsignor Fisichella, the meeting was also attended by Prefect of Rome Lamberto Giannini, Head of the Civil Protection Department Fabio Ciciliano, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Economy and Finance Lucia Albano, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Tullio Ferrante and RAI Director General Giampaolo Rossi as well as representatives of the company Giubileo 2025 S.p.A., the Ministry of the Interior and the Department of Penitentiary Administration, and members of parliament. Participants attending via video link included the head of hospitality service coordination for the Jubilee 2025, Agostino Miozzo.