“The government has been working to sign a first decree on the essential, impossible-to-postpone works for the Jubilee since it was sworn in (in October),” Meloni said.

“Rome and the whole of Italy are preparing to celebrate an event that is inextricably linked to the identity of the Eternal City itself, which is the capital of Christianity and hosts the Vatican City State.

“There’s lots of work to do, but we will guarantee all the collaboration and effort necessary, together with the Holy See and the city of Rome, to make sure that the capital and the nation are ready to host millions of pilgrims from all over the world.”

Earlier on Thursday Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri illustrated the government’s Jubilee to Pope Francis during a meeting lasting almost one hour.

Areas around the Vatican are set to be modernised, mobility will be improved and security systems bolstered, among other things.

Gualtieri then took part in a press conference with Cabinet Secretary Alfredo Mantovano to present the decree.

He said that a total of around four billion euro will be spent on works for the Jubilee when one also accounts for those in a second decree that is in the pipeline.

“I thank the government for working speedily (on the Jubilee) after taking office,” Gualtieri said.

“This made it possible for us to present a program that we are capable of realizing”.

Mantovano said:

“There is lots of work to do but I’m quite confident.

“Despite everything they say and the rows, in the end Rome and Italy serve up pleasant surprises,” he added.

“There were some negative forecasts about the funeral of the pope emeritus (Benedict XVI) but it took place with order, without disruption and with approval that went beyond the national borders.

“I am confident Rome will be at the centre of the world’s attention and will be so in the best possible way”.

He also dismissed concerns that speeding up procedures for Jubilee projects could open the door to organized crime to muscle in on lucrative contracts.

“I see no inconsistency in cutting the times and preventing criminal infiltration,” Mantovano said.

“The more the time frames are respected, the less chance criminals have of using delays to get in.”