New York’s Mayor showed how religious and ethnic diversity can shape a city’s future. Rome may now be entering a similar moment. The launch of MuRo27 (Musulmani per Roma 2027) signals a growing effort by Italy’s Muslim community to gain visibility in local civic life.
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How Many Muslims Live in Italy?
Muslims are today one of Italy’s largest religious minorities. Statista counts about 566,000 Muslim Italian citizens. The ISMU Foundation reports 1.6 million foreign-born Muslims living in the country. For the first time, Muslims make up more than 30% of all foreign residents in Italy.
Most come from Morocco, Albania, Bangladesh and Pakistan. These groups shape the demographic map of regions like Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Lazio. Estimates vary, but most studies place the total Muslim population between 1.5 and 1.7 million, roughly 2.8% of Italy’s total population. CESNUR offers a slightly higher estimate of 2.28 million. The community is mostly Sunni, with a smaller Shia presence.
In daily life, the presence of diverse communities appears in many practical settings. For example, in major Italian cities it is increasingly common to find CAF (tax-assistance centers) that offer help in multiple languages, supporting residents who come from different countries.
And the Jewish Community?
Italy’s Jewish community is far smaller in number but centuries old. The Union of Italian Jewish Communities estimates about 27,000 Jews nationwide. Surveys show that only 4 in 10 Italians correctly guess this figure. Many think the number is much higher or lower than it actually is.
Why Does This Matter for Rome?
In this landscape, MuRo27 stands out as a sign of growing civic participation. With up to 1.7 million Muslims in the country—and a concentration in major urban areas—the community has reached a demographic scale that encourages organization. The Jewish community, while much smaller, remains a well-structured and historically rooted presence. Together, these two groups highlight the wide range of minority identities that shape Italy today.
A Changing Urban Picture
Italy is still predominantly Catholic, but its major cities are becoming more diverse every year. The rise of groups like MuRo27 suggests that religious minorities are beginning to express themselves not only culturally but also socially and civically. Their size, their history, and their geographic distribution all point to a simple trend: Italy’s urban life is more plural than it used to be, and Rome is no exception.
