NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      ROME, 6 (NE) After more than two years of restorations, yesterday began the process of disassembling of the structure that covers the beautiful facade of Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. The metallic structure began being built in spring 1997 in order to carry out the different works to recover the original splendor and beauty of the facade.

      Even though the process of disassembling has already begun, works will continue and are expected to be finished by autumn.

      This restoration is another form of preparation for the celebration of the Great Jubilee of year 2000. The facade has been polished, and problems caused by the passing of time, earthquakes and pollution have been solved.

      Several lightly colored areas hidden below the dust have been discovered, as happened some months ago during the restoration of the Palazzo Farnese -masterpiece of the Italian renaissance in the city of Rome. After the cleansing of the facade, unknown details were discovered in the XVI century building.

      The facade of St. Peter's Basilica is 114 meters wide and 45 meters tall. 13 statues, 6 meters tall, rise above it, representing the Lord Jesus, John the Baptist and eleven apostles.

      The Basilica -constructed upon the one that Emperor Constantine built in the IV century over the tomb of the Apostle Peter- was consecrated by Pope Urban VIII in 1626. Pope Julius II (1503-1513) began its construction, which lasted more than a century.

      A great number of churches and buildings are now being restored in Rome for the celebration of the Great Jubilee. Among them are also the other three major basilicas: Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Saint John Lateran and Saint Mary Maggiore.

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