Public health advice for travellers attending the Jubilee 2025 in Italy

As one of the Catholic Church’s major international events, it is expected to attract more than 30 million visitors. Traditionally held every 25 years, the Jubilee involves pilgrims travelling to Rome and the Vatican City to visit designated sites and participate in organized events and services throughout the Jubilee year.

WHO/Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Italy have jointly developed public health advice for the Jubilee 2025 to protect the safety and well-being of people attending the event.

 “There is no current health risk in Italy, but preparation is key, as for any travel abroad when one can expect to be in crowds or experience extreme heat. This is important especially for certain vulnerable groups, like people with underlying conditions,” says Rocco Bellantone, president of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità. 

If you are planning to attend, make sure to follow these simple health tips to protect your health and well-being. 

"Large-scale gatherings like the Jubilee 2025 are unique opportunities for communities to come together, but they also present specific public health challenges. Together with WHO and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ECDC aims to provide evidence-based advice to help protect the health of pilgrims and visitors and to support them in making informed choices before, during, and after their journeys," said Piotr Kramarz, ECDC Chief Scientist.

The public health advice covers various topics, including guidance on heatwaves and sun exposure, vaccination, food and water safety, vector-borne diseases (such as those transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks), alcohol and tobacco use, and sexually transmitted diseases.

“This year’s Jubilee in Rome and Vatican City is particularly significant. Not only is it the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, but it will take place following the sad news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” said Ihor Perehinets, WHO’s Regional Emergency Director for Europe. “With such large numbers of people expected, following public health advice can help pilgrims and other visitors to have a safe and fulfilling experience and enjoy this very special opportunity to visit Rome and other holy sites.”