Official Jubilee Area: Opened Today, October 31
An “all inclusive” space at the entrance to Via della Conciliazione, the place of welcome and meeting that anticipates the “real” visit to St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica going out to meet pilgrims as the Jubilee of 2025 approaches. To anticipate their embrace, a greeting in all the languages of the world and above all to accompany anyone to the house of Peter. The Official Area of St. Peter’s Papal Basilica is born, an “all inclusive” space at the entrance to Via Della Conciliazione (at number 3A). A hub, but above all the place of welcome and meeting that anticipates the “real” visit to the basilica complex. The deepest meaning of this new point is proximity, becoming close and supportive, present at the meeting with everyone.
Inauguration on October 31
Today, October 31, at 12 noon, the inauguration of the Official Area of St. Peter’s Basilica. The unveiling will be preceded by a blessing in the presence of Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vicar of the Holy Father for Vatican City and president of the Fabbrica di San Pietro with Father Enzo Fortunato, director of communications for St. Peter’s Basilica. The presence of the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, has been announced.
Five dimensions
The Basilica and the universal Church “listening” and “going out” through a wide range of proposals in five dimensions. Starting with the welcome, offered through the welcome and human warmth of the staff members who will ensure (in language) all the information requested.
A service that is functional and synergistic with the needs of Basilica life and supportive of every need, especially at times of high attendance. For this we will also rely on technology through a dynamic and latest generation proposal, through touch walls, totems or with external and mobile operators equipped with tablets.
Virtual and augmented reality experiences are planned that show a preview of the Basilica, so as to prepare for the visit, to discover details not entirely known, such as the restored Bernini Baldachin. The project is aimed especially at children and adolescents that will lead to the involvement of schools throughout the Holy Year.
Spirituality, the ultimate goal of the experience in the Basilica, understood as an encounter and knowledge, proposes the possibility of booking exclusive, immersive, tactile visits for the visually impaired and facilitated for the disabled, taking advantage of guides accredited by the Fabbrica di San Pietro and of unprecedented and innovative itineraries, including through the healthy and conscious use of Artificial Intelligence. In addition, the opportunity will be offered to experience personal dialogues with religious and lay people attitudinally predisposed to listening and empathy.
Spiritual experience
Accompaniment and hospitality, instruments of otherness and charity, ensure the possibility of spiritual experience and knowledge of the faith. There are many people, authentically eager to experience 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 widespread network (Parishes, Dioceses, Nunciatures, Embassies, Social Cooperation, Third Sector in general, etc.) people with difficulties will be able to be put in a position to travel and be welcomed.
The use of a simple and free app will make possible hospitality in places ready to offer a human and spiritual itinerary. All this will be made possible through important understandings and collaborations between the Be Human association and St. Peter’s Factory with major realities of Italian mobility.
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