Gualtieri presents 2025 Jubilee works to Pope Francis

(ANSA) - ROME, JAN 12 - Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri had a meeting lasting almost one hour with Pope Francis on Thursday to discuss preparations for the Catholic Church's 2025 Jubilee, sources said.
    The mayor illustrated a government decree making it possible to get going with public works for the event to the pontiff.
    Areas around the Vatican are set to be modernised, mobility will be improved and security systems bolstered, among other things.
    Gualtieri then took part in a press conference with Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano to present the government's Jubilee decree.
    He said a total of around four billion euros will be spent on works for the Jubilee when one also accounts for those in a second decree that is in the pipeline.
    "I thank the government for working speedily (on the Jubilee) after taking office (in October)," Gualtieri said.
    "This made it possible for us to present a programme that we are capable of realizing".
    Mantovano said that: "there lots of work to do but I'm quite confident.
    "Despite everything they say and the rows, in the end Rome and Italy serve up pleasant surprises," he added.
    "There were some negative forecasts about the funeral of the pope emeritus (Benedict XVI) but it took place with order, without disruption and with approval that went beyond the national borders.
    "I am confident Rome will be at the centre of the world's attention and will be so in the best possible way". (ANSA).