INFORMATION ON THE JUBILEE PILGRIM'S CARD

VATICAN CITY, NOV 12, 1999 (VIS) - The Vatican's Central Committee for the Jubilee 2000 has issued a communique regarding the Pilgrim's Card, in which it explains precisely what the Card is and also clarifies imprecise news which has been given regarding this Card.

The communique states that the Pilgrim's Card can be used to reserve participation in Jubilee events in Rome and, "while not obligatory for pilgrims, is intended not only as a simple 'service card' but also as a primary instrument for reservations, especially useful for participating ... in single events."
While the Pilgrim's Card is not the only way to be able to participate in papal audiences or other Jubilee celebrations, it is a very helpful tool for the traveller. The committee stresses that participation in all events, including papal ceremonies, whether through use of the Pilgrim's Card or through tickets issued by the Prefecture of the Papal Household, is entirely free.

In addition to reserving seats for papal ceremonies or those in Rome's basilicas, the Pilgrim's Card offers the following services: 1. insurance; 2. free use of city transport by prepaying 5,000 lire (about $2.25); 3. the possibility of making phones calls at reduced prices (adding 10,000 lire to the base Card price); 4. the possibility for single pilgrims to have a 20-30 percent reduction on train tickets, through a special card issued by the FS, the Italian State Railway; 5. the chance to reserve hot meals or picnic baskets at discounted prices; 6. special discounts for museums and for the purchase of books.

There are several types of Pilgrim's Cards available, each of which has its own base price. There are one-day tickets, tickets for several days or a week, as well as those called "last minute" tickets.

For further information on the Pilgrim's Card and how to obtain it, go to the following Internet site, and then select the language of your choice (Italian, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German): www.sac.jubil2000.org

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