Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano

[Jesus] said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. - Matthew 16:15-18

Highly regarded as one of the most holy sights in the Catholic Church, and perhaps in all of Christendom, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most prominent features of the Roman skyline. It is named after Peter the Disciple. Although there is no Biblical account of Peter ever being in Rome, much less dying and being buried here, tradition holds that his tomb was in the catacombs found underneath the ground where S. Pietro stands today. Also according to tradition, he was crucified upside-down, since he did not think himself to be worthy of a death like Christ's.

The Basilica itself is commonly considered to be the Basilica of Rome; however, that is inaccurate. It is actually the Basilica of Constantinople - Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterno is the Basilica of Rome, and also the actual Papal ecclesial seat. However, S. Pietro holds most Papal ceremonies since it is larger, in the Vatican, and closer to the Pope's actual residence. In the Catholic church's recent history, it has become the primary church.

Inside the church, you can understand why. The expansive, gorgeous interior inspires prayer and praise in hundreds of languages as pilgrims from across the globe come to gather. The artwork hails from such masters as Bernini and Michelangelo. On the lower level, pilgrims can visit the graves of many Popes, including Pope John Paul II, over whom many people were gathered in prayer. And of course, in the center of this lower area, you can look through to the area above Peter's grave. (To see his tomb, you have to get your name on the list for the Scavi tour weeks in advance.)

It is a place of beauty for both the eyes and the soul. Fortunately, even in all the foot traffic and snapping cameras, there is a place set aside exclusively for prayer.

Gracious God, the faithful from around the world gather in your name. Grant that we might have true unity in Christ together, just as Peter once called and sent your people as one. We pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.