Vatican No Longer Has Fountain Shows as Solidarity to Italy Drought

Vatican is one of top destinations in the world where visitors come to discover the splendors of the city with their own eyes. However, they will no longer have the chance to witness any of the 100 water spectacles. That’s because Pope Francis decided to switch off their fountain shows as a gesture of solidarity for Italy drought.

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Vatican announced that all its almost 100 fountains including those historical landmarks in St. Peters Square or those in Vatican gardens would cease their liquid shows. This decision comes at a time when around three million Rome citizens which is half of population are preparing themselves for possible limits on their daily water usage.

This week, several officials including the environment ministry and representatives of utility Acea will meet to discuss the Italy drought. One of the most effective yet intrusive solutions is to cut down water supplies for eight hours a day. Lazio governor, Nicola Zingaretti, proposed last week to declare a ban on drawing water from Lake Bracciano on July 28^th. This source of water located 24 miles from the capital has heavily experienced the effects of the recent heat waves.

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Vatican spokesman Greg Burke claimed that this is the first time when the spiritual city of Catholics decided to switch off their fountains. However, Vatican considered their moral support more important than a display of beauty.

“This is the Vatican’s way of living solidarity with Rome, trying to help Rome get through this crisis.”

According to an Italian weather channel, Rome received 72% less rain water than it was normally supposed to during this period of the year. This reduction made its presence felt with months in advance starting in March with 56% less rain.

Pope Francis declared that the care of the resources of this planet is one of his most important objectives. His environment document that urges world leaders to take action is the first papal paper that addresses such an earthy issue.

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