St Peter’s getting upgrades as part of 400-year celebrations

The Vatican unveiled plans for the commemoration this week.

“The entire terrace of the basilica will be accessible,” as against only one-third of it being so today, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the basilica’s archpriest, told a press conference.

A current “refreshment area” will be approximately doubled to around 100sqm, he said.

The Vatican had previously sought to play down reports of a café or restaurant on the terrace, which had sparked anger about the potential commercialisation of a sacred place.

Exhibitions will also be staged on the terrace, including for children, relating to the building’s history, construction and maintenance.

Having more space on the terrace should help reduce crowds in the basilica, which receives 20,000 visitors a day, and this will help “foster greater contemplation inside”, Cardinal Gambetti said.

The Vatican also launched a new app for liturgies in the basilica, which will allow pilgrims to follow Mass by Pope Leo XIV in 60 languages via their smartphones. Visitors will scan a QR code to access a dedicated web page providing real-time audio and text translations, using an AI-powered system developed by Rome-based firm Translated.

There will also be a new real-time booking system for access to the basilica, fuelled by a network of sensors that monitor how many people are inside.

A time of commemoration of the consecration of the basilica will begin on February 20 with the inauguration of a new “Via Crucis”, and will conclude on November 18 with a Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV, Vatican News reported.

FULL STORY

St Peter’s Basilica gets terrace cafe to open up space, translated Mass for its 400th birthday (AFP/NZ Herald)

Vatican unveils initiatives to mark 400th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican News)

Vatican denies restaurant to open on terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica (EWTN News)