St. Peter’s Basilica, consecrated on November 18, 1626, is a place that combines beauty, transcendence, prayer and worship. It is a work embellished by human hands and the grace of God.
One of the moast iconic places of worship in the world is St. Peter’s Basilica,located on Vatican Hill in Rome. It is the sanctuary and resting place of the chief apostle of Jesus Christ,Simon Peter of Galilee,the first Pope of the Christian faith.
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The current basilica is the second temple built on this site. the first was erected by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, after the legalization of Christianity following centuries of persecution.
Due to its deterioration, the first basilica was demolished, and the current one was built during the Italian Renaissance, establishing itself as a jewel of this artistic and cultural movement. Consecrated on November 18, 1626, the basilica reflects the best of human creative genius. it is indeed a place of majesty and power, of prayer and devotion, graced by divine grace.
Hear are 10 surprising facts about St. Peter’s Basilica:
1. The Vatican is the smallest country in the world
With an area of approximately 44 hectares, approximately eight Vatican Cities could fit in New York’s Central Park. Although it is the smallest country, its independence ensures that the Pope can teach and pastor without political interference.
2. A baseball game could be played in St. peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667, is 304 meters long and 228 meters wide. It could host the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field twice. With a capacity of 250,000 people,it is the ideal venue for large crowds.
3. Until 1981 there were no images of the Virgin Mary in the square
after the attack against Saint John Paul II on May 13,1981,the Polish Pope attributed his survival to the intervention of Our Lady of Fatima. In her honor he ordered the placement of a mosaic of Mary in December 1981,becoming the first Marian representation in the square.
The central nave of the basilica, designed by Carlo Maderno, measures 186 meters in length, enough to host a Super Bowl game. this expansion was a modification to Michelangelo’s original design.
5. A space shuttle could fit in the dome area
At nearly 400 feet tall, the basilica’s dome is taller than the U.S. Capitol and could house a space shuttle with its rocket boosters and external fuel tank.
6.Saint John Paul II rests on the altar of Saint Sebastian
The first altar on the right of the nave houses the remains of Saint John Paul II, moved there after his beatification. This altar, dedicated to the patron saint of athletes and soldiers, receives thousands of visitors every week.
7. The Holy Doors open onyl in Jubilee years
The Holy Doors of St. Peter’s are opened only during the Jubilee Years, celebrated every 25 years as times of grace and conversion. The next jubilee Year will be in 2025, starting in December 2024.
8. The Pietà is the only work signed by Michelangelo
After learning that his famous sculpture was attributed to others, Michelangelo signed his name on a crossed ribbon on the Virgin’s chest. He later repented and promised never to sign another work again.
9.The feet of the statue of Saint peter are carried by devotion
The statue of the apostle, located in the right transept, has feet worn by centuries of veneration by pilgrims, who touch it as a sign of devotion.
10. The Basilica is built on the bones of St. Peter
The remains of St. Peter were believed to lie beneath the basilica, but their exact location remained unknown until the mid-20th century.In 1968, Pope Paul VI announced that, after extensive studies, the bones found were indeed those of the apostle.
The Basilica literally stands on the relics of the first Pope, as a symbol of the Church founded on Peter and his confession of faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16.16).
Translated and adapted by ACI Prensa. Originally published in National Catholic Register.
P. Jeffrey Kirby
Father jeffrey Kirby is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Indian Land, South Carolina, and host of the daily devotional podcast Morning Offer With Father Kirby.
– What architectural features distinguish St. Peter’s Basilica from other churches in the world?
Interview between Time.news Editor and P. Jeffrey Kirby on St. Peter’s Basilica
Time.news Editor: good day, Jeffrey! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss such an iconic landmark as St. Peter’s Basilica. Just to kick things off, could you tell us a little about what makes this structure so important in not just catholicism, but also in the broader cultural landscape?
P. Jeffrey Kirby: Thank you for having me! St.Peter’s Basilica is truly remarkable. Not only is it a major place of worship, but it also represents the heart of the Catholic Church. As the resting place of simon Peter, the chief apostle of Jesus and the first Pope, it holds immense spiritual meaning. Additionally, it is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, showcasing the heights of human creativity and the divine inspiration that guided its creation.
Time.news Editor: That brings me to the history of the basilica. You mentioned in your article that it was the second temple built on this site. Could you elaborate on the transition from emperor constantine’s church to the current structure we see today?
P. Jeffrey Kirby: Absolutely! The first basilica was erected in the 4th century after Christianity was legalized. However, over the centuries, that original structure began to deteriorate. Pope Julius II commissioned the construction of the current basilica in 1506, aiming to create a grander space that would reflect the glory of God and catholicism. It took over a century to complete, and upon its consecration in 1626, it was celebrated as one of the greatest achievements of the Renaissance—a harmonious blend of art, architecture, and faith.
Time.news Editor: It really is fascinating how it embodies both religious and artistic values. You mentioned the basilica’s consecration date, November 18, 1626. How do events like consecration shape the experience of the basilica for visitors today?
P.Jeffrey Kirby: Consecration is an essential moment in the life of any church and amplifies the spiritual experience for visitors. It marks the space as sacred, set apart for worship and divine presence. For many pilgrims and tourists, entering a space that’s been consecrated for nearly 400 years adds a layer of depth to their visit. They walk on the same grounds where countless others have prayed, sought solace, and experienced profound moments of faith. It connects them to a larger past and spiritual narrative.
Time.news Editor: Such an enriching experience. You included a section on the surprising facts about St. Peter’s Basilica in your article. What’s one of your favourite lesser-known facts about it?
P.Jeffrey Kirby: One fact that often surprises people is that the Vatican—where St. Peter’s is located—is the smallest independent state in the world, both in terms of area and population. It covers just about 44 hectares! This tiny enclave holds the immense obligation of being the center of the Roman Catholic Church while also housing incredible cultural treasures, making it a unique place in the world.
Time.news editor: That’s intriguing! The juxtaposition of such a small state wielding significant influence is quite striking. As we look towards the future, how do you foresee the role of St.Peter’s Basilica evolving in an increasingly digital and secular world?
P. Jeffrey Kirby: That’s a compelling question. While we live in a world that’s rapidly changing, I believe St. Peter’s Basilica will continue to be a vital symbol of faith and artistic beauty. as people seek deeper meaning in a more secular landscape, places like the basilica can offer sanctuary, reflection, and spiritual guidance. The emphasis on community, as well as the growing global focus on shared values and human dignity, can keep the basilica relevant. It stands as a beacon, inviting all to consider the familial, historical, and spiritual ties that bind us together.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Jeffrey! It has been enlightening discussing St. Peter’s Basilica with you. Your insights remind us of the importance of melding history,faith,and culture,and the significance that such places hold in our collective experience.
P. Jeffrey Kirby: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations alive, as they breathe life into our understanding of such sacred spaces.