Anyway, normally the queue to St Peter’s Basilica is long. We were there a day before Blessed JP2’s beatification so the lines were even longer. Check this out…
Here are some photos of the Swiss Papal Guards guarding main entrances of St. Peter’s Basilica. Swiss guards have been providing security to the Pope in the last 500 years.
Below is St Peter's Basilica's Jubilee door - a holy door and one of the main entrances of the St Peter's Basilica which is usually opened by the holy Pope every 25 years.
The moment you enter the basilica, this is the sight that will behold you - the sun’s rays passing through the dome. Exactly how I remembered if from my last visit.
The dome of St Peter's Basilica -
St. Peter’s Basilica has various chapels inside. Here’s another beautiful dome of one of the chapels inside the basilica.
The Pieta is probably the most photographed inside the Basilica. Sculpted by Michelangelo before age 30.
If Pieta is probably the most photographed, St Peter’s is definitely the most touched! With all the pilgrims touching or kissing his feet over the centuries, his toes have worn out - considering this is a bronze statue!
Since it was JP2's beatification, there were several press people at the Basilica. Here's one who was probably explaining the custom of touching St. Peter's feet.
This is the main altar where the Pope celebrates mass inside the Basilica -
There are 2 Blessed Popes whose incorrupt bodies are housed at the St.Peter’s Basilica. Here’s that of Blessed Pope Innocent XI (1611-1689). More than 300 years old!
And Blessed Pope John XXIII (1881-1963), the pope who was responsible for the Second Vatican Council.
The guide said that although the bodies were incorrupt, sometimes mold grows that’s why wax is also applied. But imagine, just mold?! Holy Popes!
Coat of arms of Pope JP2.
As we were exiting the basilica, spotted this kid dipping his hand into the holy water vessel. Heartwarming sight…
View of St Peter's Square as we were exiting the Basilica -
When we got out of the Basilica, preparation for JP2’s beatification were in full swing at St Peter’s Square. Sea of chairs were already set up.
And the media who will cover Blessed JP2's beatification were busy testing equipment.
The next time I visit St. Peter’s Basilica, for sure, I’m going to see things with fresh eyes again. Haha... :)
