Pope shuts off Vatican fountains for first time in living memory as Rome hit with drought

‘All 100 Vatican City fountains, including two Baroque masterpieces in St Peter’s Square, will be shut off in the coming days as a drought sweeps Rome and other parts of Italy.
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said it was the first time the Vatican could recall turning off all of its fountains and reflected Pope Francis’ views on the environment.
“This decision is very much in line with the pope’s thinking on ecology: you can’t waste and sometimes you have to be willing to make a sacrifice,” he told Reuters.
“This is the Vatican’s way of living [in] solidarity with Rome, trying to help Rome get through this crisis,” Burke added.
While the decision is likely to upset summer tourists who look forward to viewing the Vatican’s famed fountains, water conservation is being widely encouraged as Rome’s authorities consider the introduction of strict water rations.’
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