Rome: Three Italian researchers have expressed doubt as to whether the bones of St. Peter actually lie beneath the Rome basilica named in his honor. The researchers have suggested that the relics may have been moved from where St. Peter’s Basilica now stands during a 3rd-century persecution. In fact, theyContinue Reading
Vatican City: A new letter from the Vatican Secretariat of State has banned the private celebration of Masses at side altars in St. Peter’s Basilica, effective March 22. The regulation might seem tailored to meet COVID restrictions, as Italy prepares to tighten its pandemic measures once again. However, the newContinue Reading
Vatican City, Jun 30, 2020: Pope Francis has appointed a commissioner to reform the administration of the office responsible for the upkeep of St. Peter’s Basilica, where documents and computers were seized by order of judicial authorities June 30. The decision to appoint a commissioner was made following a reportContinue Reading
Rome, Dec 20: Italian police said on Dec 18 they had arrested a 20-year-old Somali man suspected of having been a member of Islamic State and who had threatened to bomb churches in Italy, including St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. They told reporters in the southern city of BariContinue Reading
Pope Francis pushed open the great bronze doors of St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday to launch his Holy Year of Mercy, declaring that mercy trumps moralizing in his Catholic Church. Francis stood in prayer on the threshold of the basilica’s Holy Door then walked through it, the first of anContinue Reading