Workers in Rome have unearthed a centuries-old human skeleton near the Vatican during construction for the 2025 Jubilee, which is expected to draw over 30 million visitors.
The discovery was made at Piazza Pia, between Castel Sant’Angelo and Via della Conciliazione, where a new underground motorway is being built to create a pedestrian-only road to St. Peter’s Basilica.
The skeleton, which dates back to between 1600-1800 according to initial investigations, was removed by authorities. Despite the discovery, construction has continued as planned. This is part of over hundreds of different works planned around Rome for the upcoming Jubilee, scheduled for completion by December.
Pope Francis has discussed the significance of these preparations and Rome’s tradition of welcoming pilgrims.
“It cannot but involve the city too, in terms of the care and works necessary to welcome the many pilgrims who will visit it, in addition to the tourists who come to admire its immense treasure of works of art and the grandiose traces of past centuries,” he said.
In 2019, three human skeletons from the first century BC were found during subway construction.
Photo credit: Adwo / Shutterstock.com
