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"5- Modern Rome"

Rome Tourist Guide History  

5- Modern Rome

The end of World War II brought new social, political and urban changes to the Roman cityscape, changes that were not always necessarily positive. Or at the very least, they weren't equally positive for all. The 1950s ushered in an era in which political corruption seemed to be the order of the day. This corruption spread its tentacles throughout Italy and one of its clearest and ugliest expressions came in the form of real estate speculation. This turned out to be a lucrative enterprise for many politicians and bureaucrats, who lined their pockets and had few scruples when it came to governing the city.

In 1976 communism had taken hold of the Italian imagination, something that wasn't looked upon kindly by other countries, especially the United States of America. Complicating matters further was the fact that no party could gain a clear majority, leaving the government in the hands of rapidly changing and loosely associated coalitions. This crisis did little to improve the political situation in the country, and the climate of instability even seemed to infiltrate the Vatican. The selection in 1979 of John Paul I as the next pontiff stirred up emotions and was the cause of a polemical debate. It didn't help matters that the newly elected pontiff was found dead a few days after his nomination. The strange circumstances surrounding his death have left behind a host of unanswered questions that continue to cast a shadow on the Vatican's history.

The nomination of John Paul II returned a much-needed dose of prestige to the Holy See, allowing the Vatican to recover its name and image both amongst Catholics and different organisations around the world. John Paul II not only promised to bring younger generations back into the fold of the Catholic Church and improve the Vatican's image but also to take a closer look at the sometimes dubious financial actions taken by the Church's leadership. John Paul II, who died in 2005 after a long and celebrated papacy, was embraced by the public for both his approachability and his earnest dedication to his faith. Images from his funeral were broadcast around the world and the crowds that gathered in Rome, comprised of Catholics as well as people of many other religious faiths, outnumbered all expectations. A tall task awaits his successor, Benedict XVI, who not only needs to live up to the Polish pontiff's legacy but also garner the same trust and deeply loyal following that John Paul II enjoyed throughout his papacy.

Politically motivated crimes and the influence of the mafia also destabilised Italy's social and political climate for a long time. The situation was finally addressed by a section of the judiciary that decided to clean up the country's deeply corrupt system with a campaign nicknamed "clean hands". Many executives, politicians, businessmen and judges came under scrutiny and were investigated and tried for "dubious and unclear" dealings. The campaign did much to improve political transparency in Italy as well as resolve many of the problems that were plaguing the country.

A centre-left coalition led by Romano Prodi brought an end to Giulio Andreotti's long era of government in 1996. But this brief flirtation with the left-wing would not last long. The current government consists of the right-wing party Forza Italia, headed by its flamboyant leader Silvio Berlusconi. Not unlike some of his predecessors, Berlusconi doesn't seem too keen on political transparency nor does he have much regard for a free press (he controls a large part of the country's communication networks), and he has also been embroiled in a number of trials due to "dubious and unclear" dealings. The sentences handed down in these trials didn't convince everyone, but they did seem to assuage the majority that continues to support Berlusconi with their votes.

Rome enjoyed a splendid moment in 2000 when it celebrated its Jubilee Year. In addition to the millions of tourists who come to the eternal city every year, the Jubilee attracted a vast number of Catholic visitors. The city got a face-lift, improved its services and public facilities and cleaned up its image. And for a brief moment Rome once again stood in the limelight, a glorious capital unlike any other in the world.

Tourism continues to be Rome's bread and butter, bringing in most of the city's (and by extension most of Italy's) income. The city has become very aware of how important this sector is to its economic well-being and has dedicated increasingly greater efforts to improving its infrastructure and services. Visiting Rome has become easy and hassle-free, turning the eternal city into one of Europe's most welcoming and popular tourist destinations. Every year millions of visitors from all corners of the world flock to Rome to experience the city's lively atmosphere and unique history.

Nowadays Rome is a charming and pleasant city. A few problems prevail, such as the notorious traffic, but the city's population has grown accustomed and fond of its many visitors and proud of its impressive, one-of-a-kind historical and cultural heritage. Maintaining the old and keeping up with the new hasn't been an easy road. The city can't be left behind in the race towards the future and yet, how can it not when most of its budget is set aside to conserve the ruins of its past? But somehow Rome manages to keep everything in perspective, creating a delicate balance between progress and conservation that is perhaps the secret to its success.