Focus Area
Humanitarian Relief
Location
Vatican City – Papal Basilica of Saint Peter
Beneficiaries
Pilgrims, tourists, and people of faith visiting St. Peter’s Basilica during the Jubilee Year and beyond
Safavi's Role
Partner-funded initiative
Key Impact
Enabled critical restoration of the Vatican Grottoes and improved safety infrastructure for millions of global visitors during the Jubilee Year 2025
Project Overview
As part of its commitment to preserving global spiritual heritage, the Safavi Philanthropic Initiative contributed to a major restoration and safety enhancement initiative at the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City. This project, timed to support the Jubilee Year 2025, addressed two critical challenges: the restoration of sacred historic sites and the modernization of safety protocols for the millions of pilgrims expected to visit. Central to this effort was safeguarding the Vatican Grottoes, which house the remains of 91 popes alongside other significant dignitaries, underscoring both the spiritual and historical importance of the Basilica’s foundations.
Beneficiary Profile
The initiative directly benefits the 12 million annual visitors to St. Peter’s Basilica—including religious pilgrims, local communities, and international tourists. During the Jubilee Year, that number is expected to double, making the enhancements especially urgent. Many beneficiaries are elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable, and the improved accessibility and emergency planning directly address their needs.
Safavi's Role
The Safavi Philanthropic Initiative provided direct funding for the restoration of the Vatican Grottoes—a spiritually and historically significant area within the Basilica that houses the tombs of many popes and early Christian martyrs. This contribution was made in partnership with the Fabric of Saint Peter, the organization responsible for the ongoing care of the Basilica. Safavi’s support enabled lighting upgrades and conservation work intended to offer a more immersive and contemplative experience while preserving sacred artifacts for future generations.
Project Gallery
Photo Credit: Fabric of St. Peter, Vatican News
Impact Achieved
Thanks to Safavi’s support:
The Vatican Grottoes received new lighting installations, enhancing visibility while honoring the spiritual ambiance of the space.
Restoration work preserved historic tombs and architectural features for millions of visitors.
The overall safety infrastructure of the Basilica was upgraded, including:
3D laser-scanned evacuation route planning
Replacement of stairs with ramps to improve accessibility
Pedestrian flow simulations to reduce bottlenecks
Emergency plans co-developed with the Italian and Vatican Fire Brigades
These outcomes make St. Peter’s Basilica safer, more accessible, and spiritually enriching—setting a new global benchmark for sacred site stewardship.
Purpose & Signifigance
This initiative reflects Safavi’s core belief: that sacred spaces must not only be preserved, but continually reimagined as places of peace, dignity, and universal welcome. Supporting the Vatican Grottoes’ restoration was a deliberate act of global humanitarian outreach—ensuring the spiritual experience of the Basilica remains accessible, safe, and awe-inspiring for generations to come. The Jubilee Year 2025 provided a meaningful moment to contribute to this enduring legacy.
Future Outlook
The Basilica’s new safety protocols and restored spaces are designed to endure beyond the Jubilee Year. Safavi’s contribution lays the foundation for future enhancements as Vatican City continues to welcome millions of pilgrims each year. Ongoing collaboration with the Fabric of Saint Peter remains possible, as Safavi explores additional ways to support cultural preservation, interfaith accessibility, and global spiritual heritage.
