Pilgrims get smart for the millennium

Pilgrims converging on Rome to commemorate the millennium will be able to make use of the latest smartcard technology, according to a statement issued by the Vatican today.

The Vatican office in charge of pilgrims - Pilgrims to St.Peter's Seat - has developed its own information system to cope with an expected deluge of 25 million celebrants.

The system - known as Sistema Informativo per l'Accoglienza - consists mainly of information kiosks, welcoming the visitors. But any pilgrim using the service will receive a Pilgrim's Card, which contains a computer chip and memory for mobile use.

The cards will offer information on accommodation, visits to holy sites, insurance policies and useful phrases. Over 10 million cards are being printed.

Secretary general of the Pilgrims' Office, Luca Magri, explained their purpose: "Pilgrims can use the card to pre-book services, to guarantee an orderly jubilee event. Our fundamental aim is to provide them with a peaceful climate, for an authentic 'walk of faith' and a true conversion."