I get messages everyday from people headed to Rome. The most popular question is no longer “is it safe,” but rather, “is it still empty?” Rome is crazy crowded now and has been for about six weeks. I think it’s more crowded now than in 2019. Hotels are full. Tour guides are booked through summer. I am getting requests almost every hour for my day pilgrimages. Restaurants are packed — I’m even having trouble getting a table at my favorite places. 😅