Between April 21 and May 8, 2025, Rome experienced an unprecedented economic surge driven by the funeral of Pope Francis, the conclave, and the election of Pope Leo XIV. According to Unimpresa Research Center, these events generated an estimated economic impact of 576 million euros. The city attracted between 700,000 and 900,000 unique visitors, resulting in 1.9 to 2.4 million overnight stays. Hotels and restaurants were packed, with trains and public spaces bustling with international visitors. The funeral alone drew 600,000 attendees, while 400,000 gathered to witness the late Pope’s final journey through Rome. The conclave’s white smoke moment brought 40,000 people to St. Peter’s Square. Visitors spent an average of 120 euros daily on accommodations, meals, transportation, souvenirs, and donations, boosting local businesses significantly. Hotels earned between 114 and 144 million euros, while restaurants saw revenue increases of up to 40%, generating 45.6 to 57.6 million euros. Transportation and religious goods sales added millions more. Despite logistical costs of 5 to 10 million euros, the net benefit was substantial. Edoardo Lofoco of Unimpresa Lazio emphasized the need for strategic investments in infrastructure and sustainable tourism to sustain this growth. Rome demonstrated its dual role as the heart of Catholicism and a hub for spiritual tourism. The challenge now is ensuring these economic benefits endure.
— new from ZENIT – Espanol – El mundo visto desde Roma
