Jubilee – Inauguration of the Official Area of Saint Peter’s Basilica

An “all inclusive” space at the entrance in Via della Conciliazione, a place of hospitality and encounter hat anticipates the ‘real’ visit to the Basilica

VATICAN, 28 OCTOBER - Saint Peter's Basilica to meet pilgrims as the 2025 Jubilee draws near. To anticipate the embrace, a greeting in all the languages of the world and above all to accompany everyone to the house of Peter.

The Official Area of Saint Peter's Papal Basilica comes into being, an “all inclusive” space at the entrance of Via Della Conciliazione (at number 3A). A hub, but above all a place of welcome and encounter that anticipates the “real” visit to the basilica complex. The deepest sense of this new point is proximity, being close and in solidarity, present at the meeting with everyone.

On Thursday 31 October, at 12 noon, the inauguration of the Official Area of Saint Peter's Basilica will take place. The presentation will be preceded by the blessing, in the presence of Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of Saint Peter’s Basilica, vicar of the Holy Father for Vatican City and president of the Fabric of Saint Peter with Father Enzo Fortunato, director of Communication of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

The presence of the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, has been announced.

The Basilica and the universal Church “listening” and “outbound” through a wide range of offerings in five dimensions.

Starting from welcome, offered through the greeting and human warmth of the staff, who will provide (in various languages) all the information required. A fundamental service, in synergy with the demands of the life of the Basilica and in support of every need, especially in moments of high attendance. For this purpose, it will also make use of technology through dynamic, latest generation facilities, including touch walls, totems and with external and mobile operators equipped with tablets. Virtual and augmented reality experiences will be provided, showing a preview of the Basilica, so as to prepare for the visit, in the discovery of little-known details, such as the restored Berninian baldachin. The project is targeted especially at children and teenagers, and will lead to the involvement of schools throughout the Holy Year.

Spirituality, the ultimate purpose of the experience in the Basilica, understood as encounter and knowledge, offers the possibility of booking visits – exclusive, immersive and tactile for the visually impaired and facilitated for the disabled, also through the healthy and conscious use of artificial intelligence.

In addition, there will be the opportunity to experience personal dialogues with religious and laypeople with an aptitude for listening and empathy.

Accompaniment and hospitality, instruments of otherness and charity, ensure the possibility of spiritual experience and knowledge of the faith. There are many people, genuinely desirous of experiencing this grace, who find themselves, for a variety of reasons, unable to reach the house of Peter and His Door.

Through the activation of a capillary network (parishes, dioceses, nunciatures, embassies, social cooperation, the third sector in general, etc.) people with difficulties will be able to travel and be welcomed. The use of a simple and free app will make hospitality possible in places ready to offer a human and spiritual itinerary.

All this will be made possible through important agreements and collaborations between the Be Human association and the Fabric of Saint Peter, with major Italian mobility services.

Service is the gesture that remains in the memory: within the Official Area, besides the numerous activities illustrated, it will be possible to acquire exclusive and authentic items, with the original logo of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Through a select line of high-quality, sustainable items, everyone can choose a souvenir to keep with them, a reminder of the strength of the experience destined to remain in memory and to share with loved ones.

The Civita Mostre e Musei, on behalf of the Fabric of Saint Peter, will guarantee the sale of cultural, artistic and editorial products at the Official Area of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Finally, at the Official Area a new magazine of the Basilica, “Piazza San Pietro”, will be available, with the possibility to subscribe.

ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE

Journalists and media operators wishing to take part in the inauguration must apply, no later than 24 hours before the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at: press.vatican.va/accreditation