Press Release

The Group distributed over 200,000 liters of water to pilgrims through 17 water trucks positioned at key points across the city

Over 20,000 young people from around the world attended the Jubilee of Teenagers, which concluded today in Rome. An influx beyond expectations filled St. Peter’s Square and the capital with colour and emotion, especially on Sunday during the Mass celebrated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Acea, the leading water operator in Italy and one of the major players in Europe, stood alongside young people during these three days, ensuring a constant presence at the sites where of the main events and distributing drinking water. Its commitment aligns with the legacy of Pope Francis regarding the protection of natural resources, particularly water.

Starting with the Via Lucis on 25 April at the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Eur, continuing through the St. Peter’s area and its surroundings, for the funeral and the Holy Mass of this morning, and reaching the Nuova Fiera di Roma, one of the accommodations for pilgrims where many young people stayed overnight, Acea distributed over 200,000 litres of water through 17 water trucks, in addition to 10,000 water bottles. At the water distribution points, posters with a QR Code linking to https://www.gruppoacea.it/educazione-idrica-per-giubileo-adolescenti were available to inform them about the water education program currently underway in Italian schools, designed for the many young people attending the Jubilee. The project was launched through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Acea and the Ministry of Education and Merit, with the shared goal of promoting a culture of water conservation and environmental protection. Through another QR Code, it was possible to download the Acquea APP, developed by the Acea Group to help users locate the nearest of Rome’s 3,500 geolocated water points - fountains, nasoni, or Acea Water Houses - where they can quench their thirst.

“Pope Francis has taught us the values and the right sensitivity to follow for the sustainable and responsible management of an essential resource such as water” – stated Barbara Marinali, President of Acea – “Over these days, Acea has raised awareness among thousands of young pilgrims who came to the capital, guiding them in discovering their role as ‘guardians of water’”.

“During this moment of grief, we must begin with the awareness of the importance of water protection, in line with the message of Pope Francis. This is the only possible way to face the water transition, which is essential for building our future as citizens, ensuring the protection of this precious resource, a synonym for economic development and well-being, as well as a pillar of public health”, stated Fabrizio Palermo, CEO of Acea.