Cammini della Fede (Paths of Faith) was established on the occasion of the Holy Year 2025, proposing several itineraries which, due to their specific purpose of reaching Rome, were designated as the Jubilee Ways of the Churches in Italy. These included the northern Via Francigena, the southern Via Francigena, the Way of St. Francis (Via di Francesco), the Via Lauretana, the Via Amerina (the Way of Light), the Via Romea Strata, and the Via Matildica. New itineraries are continuously being added to these routes.
The initiative was received so well that it has become a permanent project through which the Italian Episcopal Conference confirms its commitment to participate, providing its own pastoral care for pilgrims.
The primary objective is to monitor the actual flow of pilgrims along the Paths of Faith; to strengthen the spiritual and cultural references linked to their “message” along these routes; to organize spiritual reception for pilgrims, at least in the main locations; and to offer training to all operators to help them understand the phenomenon and enhance the religious and spiritual dimension of the experience.
For a route to be recognized as a Cammino della Fede, it must meet specific civil recognition criteria, namely: a defined and passable track, a website, georeferencing, tourist services, a logo, credentials, signage, and a governing body. Furthermore, it must qualify according to several ecclesial criteria: such as a religious and spiritual destination; historical significance and the presence of memories, symbols, figures of sanctity, and rites linked to the Path; actual use by pilgrims; the presence of reception facilities and associations dedicated to pilgrimage; the appointment by the Bishop of a diocesan contact person for the paths; and registration with the Ad Limina Petri association.
The tool for this project is a WebApp designed to support pilgrims on their journey with points for reflection and useful information. Developed by the CEI Information Service with external collaborations, the WebApp serves as a repository of directions for the pilgrim by proposing Ecclesial Points of Interest (PIE), which are georeferenced for immediate use. These Points of Interest are divided into three sections that summarize the fundamental needs of the pilgrim: pray, eat, and sleep. The application presents each path in its historical-spiritual value, highlighted by both ancient and modern testimonies.
Through the App, one can request a physical “Chartula” to collect stamps from the places visited; however, the App itself functions as a virtual Chartula, certifying the completed journey at the end of the route and providing the possibility to request the Testimonium from the competent authorities of each path.
