Initiation of services for spiritual travelers heading to Fátima commences
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Hit the Road Safely: Safe Pilgrimage - Fátima 2025
Gear up for a secure pilgrimage this year on the roads of Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, and Santarem, as the "Safe Pilgrimage - Fátima 2025" campaign kicks off! This event promises to boost awareness among pilgrims, offer direct support, and join forces with various entities to implement safety measures, aiming to minimize road accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians.
A source from IP shared with Lusa that the kickoff was moved forward due to the holidays (April 25 and May 1). Stepping off for Fátima earlier is expected, given the potential influx of pilgrims following the passing of Pope Francis.
IP points out that the pilgrimage routes often see heavy traffic with high speeds, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. They urge the adoption of safe behaviors and use of secondary roads with less traffic.
In addition to creating and promoting alternative routes, IP plans to establish a set of road conditions on the main routes used by pilgrims. Teams will be on the ground to support pilgrims and provide information to drivers, as well as reinforce signage for detours and adjust or create restrictions based on pilgrim flow.
Approximately 30 IP workers will take part in these efforts, with a call for compliance with road rules and safe behavior from both pedestrian pilgrims and drivers.
For pedestrian pilgrims, wearing reflective clothing, day or night, is recommended, and they should walk on the edge of the road, in single file, and as far away from traffic as possible. For drivers, increased vigilance and reduced speed when spotting pedestrian groups is advised.
On May 12 and 13, the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima will be led by Brazilian Cardinal Jaime Spengler, Metropolitan Archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil and the Latin American Episcopal Council.
While specific road safety measures for the "Safe Pilgrimage - Fátima 2025" campaign in the regions mentioned above haven't been detailed yet, general road safety initiatives usually encompass vehicle inspections, awareness campaigns, providing alternative routes, collaborating with authorities, and ensuring pedestrian and cyclist safety. Educating pilgrims through public education, improving road signs, and engaging local communities are key parts of these efforts.
- Brazilian Cardinal Jaime Spengler, from Portugal, will lead the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fátima on May 12 and 13, following the passing of Pope Francis.
- The "Safe Pilgrimage - Fátima 2025" campaign will recommend pedestrian pilgrims to wear reflective clothing and walk on the edge of the road, while urging drivers to exercise increased vigilance and reduce speed when spotting pedestrian groups.
- The campaign, which covers Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Santarem, and other regions, aims to reduce road accidents by implementing safety measures, collaborating with authorities, providing alternative routes, and educating pilgrims through public education.
- Amid the reinforcement of signage and the adjustment or creation of restrictions based on pilgrim flow, Cardinal Spengler's pilgrimage is expected to be supported by approximately 30 workers from the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IP).
