Rome Fortifies Security for Easter Celebrations Amidst Heightened Alert
Rome, April 2, 2026 – The Eternal City is under enhanced security protocols as it prepares for the influx of tourists and pilgrims for the Easter holidays. With international tensions leading to an elevated alert level, authorities are working to ensure maximum safety for all residents and visitors participating in the Via Crucis and other religious events scheduled for this weekend.
Via Crucis at the Colosseum: A Focus of Security Operations
The Via Crucis at the Colosseum, scheduled for Friday, April 3, with Pope Leo XIV presiding for the first time, is a central point of the security plan. The event, commencing at 9:15 PM, will be followed by the Pontiff’s address and apostolic blessing. Security areas with filtering checkpoints have been active since Friday afternoon, impacting traffic and public transport around the iconic landmark.
Extensive Traffic and Public Transport Disruptions
Road closures and parking bans have been in effect since the night of April 1 in areas surrounding the Colosseum and other ceremonial sites. Key affected streets include Via di San Gregorio, Via Celio Vibenna, Piazza del Colosseo, and Via dei Fori Imperiali. From 1:00 PM on April 2, traffic closures were extended to several major arteries, causing diversions for private vehicles and bus lines 3Nav, 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, 117, and 118. Additionally, 25 bus stops were temporarily deactivated.
A significant impact on public transport includes the closure of Colosseo stations on Metro B and Metro C from 1:00 PM on April 3. Furthermore, bicycle and scooter rentals and circulation were halted from 8:00 AM on April 3 in these areas, and taxi stands were deactivated from 1:00 PM.
Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday Ceremonies
Prior to the Via Crucis, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Holy Thursday evening mass at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano at 5:30 PM. Parking restrictions were in place around Piazza San Giovanni and Via dell’Amba Aradam, with taxi stands also deactivated. Public transport modifications were anticipated based on traffic changes.
On Saturday evening, April 4, the Easter Vigil will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica at 9:00 PM. On Easter Sunday, April 5, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate mass in St. Peter’s Square at 10:15 AM. Extensive traffic closures will be in effect from 6:00 AM on Sunday, impacting Largo del Colonnato, Via di Porta Angelica, Piazza Risorgimento, and Via della Conciliazione, among other adjacent streets.
Neighborhood Processions Across Rome
In addition to the central Via Crucis, numerous neighborhood processions are scheduled for Friday, April 3, across Rome. These include:
- Torrevecchia: Starting and returning to Via Bonfigli at 6:15 PM, affecting bus lines 46 and 49.
- Selva Candida: Beginning at Via Gaverina at 8:30 PM, potentially impacting bus lines 028, 904, and 998.
- Sacra Famiglia di Nazareth Parish (Piazzale delle Gardenie): Starting and returning to Piazzale delle Gardenie at 8:30 PM, with possible slowdowns for bus lines 412, 450, 542, 558, and C5.
- Collatino: Starting and returning to Via dei Gordiani at 8:45 PM, potentially affecting bus line 412.
- Montespaccato: From 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM, along Via Bondi, Via Pane, and Via Scalzi, with possible diversions for bus line 980.
- Pietralata: Starting at 9:00 PM, with potential slowdowns for bus line 441.
- Colli Portuensi (Nostra Signora di Coromoto Parish): Starting at 9:00 PM, with possible diversions or brief stops for bus lines 31, 33, and 870.
- Centocelle (Sant’Ireneo Church): Starting at 9:00 PM, with possible diversions or brief stops for bus lines 5, 19L, C5, 313, 450, and 542.
- Settecamini: Starting at 9:30 PM, with possible slowdowns for bus line 041.
The Questore of Rome, Roberto Massucci, affirmed the commitment to maintaining the usual high standard of security, especially given the Pope’s decision to reinstate older traditions for this year’s celebrations.
Source: RomaToday
