Holy See and Holy Chair | Vaticano
The Vatican has made the historic decision to display the Chair of St. Peter (Cathedra Sancti Petri) publicly for the first time since 1867. This wooden throne, dating back to the 6th-9th centuries, was traditionally gifted to Pope John VIII by Charles the Bald in 875.
The chair holds profound spiritual significance as a symbol of papal authority and apostolic succession from St. Peter to the present day. It represents the teaching authority of the Pope and serves as a physical connection to early Christian history. Since the 1600s, the chair has been preserved within an ornate bronze reliquary designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, featuring representations of four Doctors of the Church and the Holy Spirit.
By decree of Pope Francis, the newly restored chair was unveiled on October 27th following the Synod on Synodality Mass. It will remain on display until December 8th, positioned before the baldachin above St. Peter's tomb. This display holds particular significance as the Church prepares for an upcoming Jubilee Year, aimed at fostering unity amid current global divisions.
As emphasized by Vatican officials, the chair's importance extends beyond its historical value as a relic. Professor Francesco Buranelli, President of the Commission for the Protection of Monuments of the Holy See, notes that its veneration is unparalleled among cathedral chairs worldwide. The display serves as a powerful symbol of unity and community in the Church, reflecting Pope Benedict XVI's 2012 description of it as representing the Petrine mission to shepherd Christ's flock in faith and charity.
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