Pope Francis greets participants to the Living Nativity Scene at the Basilica of St Mary Major on December 14, 2024 in Rome (Picture: Getty)
British tourists have been warned about travelling to Italy in the next 12 months over the Roman Catholic Holy Year.
The Foreign Office issued the safety and security advice, which stretches to January 2026.
The Vatican will host a number of large events to celebrate the Holy Year, which usually happens once every 25 years
With the Jubilee kicking off on Christmas Eve, more than 35 million people are expected to flock to Rome throughout 2025.
This is nearly triple of the 13 million visitors the city received in 2023, Italy’s National Tourist Research Institute said.
What is the travel warning for Italy?
A message on the Foreign Office’s website says: ‘The Jubilee, known as the Holy Year, will take place in Rome from December 24, 2024, to January 6, 2026.
Pope Francis meets with members of AIL (Italian Association against Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma) at the Paul VI hall, at the Vatican (Picture: Reuters)
‘The city is expected to be very busy, particularly when the bigger events take place including the Opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024.’
Is there increased risk of crime?
The Foreign Office has warned of increased levels of crime amid the high number of tourists.
Petty crime
It said crime levels are generally low but stressed that tourists should be wary of bag-snatching and pickpocketing, particularly in city centres and at major tourist attractions.
In Rome, people should be careful particularly in and around the Termini station.
Other ‘crime hotspots’ include trains to and from airports, cruise ship ports and the ‘Circumvesuviana’ train between Naples and Sorrento.
Newly appointed Cardinal Timothy Peter Joseph Radcliffe, receives the biretta hat by Pope Francis (Picture: Getty)
Britons were also reminded that they cannot use a police report to leave Italy if their passport is stolen.
Theft from cars
Thefts from parked cars happen in Rome, particularly in the Colosseum area, Ostia, Milan and Pisa.
Thieves also target Italy’s coastal areas and towns, and motorway service stations.
Travellers have also been told to not leave luggage in their car – even out of sight in the boot – for any length of time.
Drink spiking
Beside petty crime, tourists have been warned about cases of drink spiking in Italy.
The temporary suspended walkway during the opening day for the new visitor experience at the Trevi Fountain (Picture: Getty)
It said: ‘Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted.
‘Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Italy are often stronger than those in the UK.’
What is a Roman Catholic Holy Year?
In May, Pope Francis started the countdown to the 2025 Holy Year, or the Jubilee, which is one of the Roman Catholic Church’s most important events.
It is expected to draw tens of millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Catholics can obtain special indulgences, or remission of their sins, if they fulfil certain conditions and do good works or make pilgrimages.
Pope Francis meets the participants of the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the first Greccio living nativity inside the St Mary Major Basilica in Rome (Picture: IPA)
The Holy Doors, which symbolise the doorway of salvation for Catholics, are only opened during Jubilee years.
There are four in Rome – in St Peter’s Basilica, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul Outside the Walls.
Their openings will be staggered, but St Peter’s will be the focal point, with its door opening on December 24 and closing on January 6, 2026.
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