Italian Ministry Launches Francesco and John Paul II Spiritual Tourism Routes

The Italian Ministry of Tourism announced the creation of a national network called “Il Cammino di Francesco – il Cammino del Sole”, a 30,000‑kilometre system of pilgrimage routes to be officially launched on 30 July. A coordinated communication strategy will involve the regions along the routes.

On 16 October, together with the Polish State Secretary for Sport and Tourism, Ireneusz Ras, the ministry will unveil the “Cammino di Giovanni Paolo II”, a joint Italy‑Poland project that will map sites linked to Pope John Paul II. Both initiatives aim to promote slow, cultural and religious tourism, revitalize rural villages and interior areas, and position Italy’s spiritual trails alongside Europe’s famous Camino de Santiago.

The announcements follow earlier local efforts such as the “Francesco sulle Vie del Cuore” project in San Fele, which combined theatre, art and inclusive workshops with support from the Ministry of Culture, the municipality and local partners. The program culminated in a performance on 12 July in the Church of Santa Maria della Quercia and a series of inclusive theatre workshops for young people, vulnerable groups and migrants from 14‑17 July.