Roman Mayor Is Pleased with These "Unforgettable Days"
ROME, AUGUST 18 (ZENIT.org).- "These youths represent the greatest event of the Jubilee," stated Roman mayor Francesco Rutelli, who between today and tomorrow will welcome 1.2 million young pilgrims.
Rutelli, who became a Catholic a few years ago, when he was already the first citizen of the Eternal City, expressed satisfaction over the development of World Youth Day during the first three days. "We are facing the greatest meeting of people in Rome's history," he explained. Never has a soccer match, a concert, or any other event, including religious, brought so many people to this unique city. As a result, at present the mayor is facing "a complex challenge of great magnitude."
To insure the success of the meetings with the Pope, Rutelli points to three decisive elements.
The first element is the heat. Weather forecasts predict temperatures oscillating between 95 and 99 degrees, with 80% humidity. The mayor urges people to drink water: "The fountains work and we are distributing millions of liters of water," he said.
The second danger for the organization of these days might be the massive return of Romans from their vacations. If they should return this weekend, precisely at the time when 1.2 million youths are going to, or returning from, the Tor Vergata field, where the final meeting with the Pope will be held, the Eternal City could become the greatest traffic jam in the world. Because of this, the mayor appealed to citizens to move forward or delay their return dates.
Over the past 4 days of the Youth Jubilee, close to one million young people have participated in pilgrimages, prayer meetings, and different functions; something never before seen. During the Paris World Youth Day, for example, there was great participation, but the massive concentration only took place during the last two days. In Rome, it has lasted for almost a week, making this meeting really unique. "That is why we have been working for years. We have spent $150 million to create a whole series of permanent services in the Tor Vergata area, which will eventually benefit the local population: roads, lighting installations, and sewers," Rutelli explained. After August 20, these works will help to promote the area of the Tor Vergata University, and the 300,000 local residents.
"Would you have taken part in this celebration?" ZENIT asked Rutelli, knowing that in his youth he was not among those going on pilgrimage during their vacations. "We feel involved seeing the joy and enthusiasm of these youths. We feel admiration and even a certain envy. These young men and women, who do not pick the flowers from the public flowerpots, have won over the city, and many have said they will return."
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