|
|
| Back to the ground, from the moment I stepped into the Basilica of St. Peters, I got awestruck by its magnificent decorations. |
I was tempted to walk towards the apse with divine sunbeam over the altar. |
| |
|
|
Rising above the altar is a large sculpted canopy called the Baldacchino, designed by an Italian sculptor and architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. I bowed my head, prayed, and gazed straight towards the intricate detail of lavishly decorated works. I noticed something shining like kryptonite light before me. |
Taking a closer look, I saw the dove, a symbol of peace, surrounded by angels and garlands. |
| |
|
|
I found Michelangelo’s Pietà placed immediately to the right of the entrance of the Basilica. It was sculpted from marble, and yet as I looked at it, it looked soft, smooth, and lifelike. I found it breathtakingly moving to see the Virgin Mary holding the lifeless body of Jesus Christ. |
Once outside, I stopped and gazed over Saint Peter's square. This amazing square, too, was designed by Bernini. 140 sculptures of saints were installed on the top of the colonnades. And at the very center of the symmetrical square stands an Egyptian obelisk. The obelisk was transported from Egypt. |
| |
|
| I saw a group of young people (most likely Argentines), holding an Argentine flag in that Pope Francis is an Argentine. |
| |
|
|
