FABRIC OF SAINT PETER IN THE VATICAN

PRESS RELEASE

VATICAN CITY, 27 MAY 2023 - From next 31 May, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to 7 October, the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary, an exhibition of paintings of "Crowned Madonnas" from different periods and places of origin will be on display in the Museum of the Treasury of Saint Peter's Basilica, in the Vatican Sacristy.

These are faithful pictorial reproductions of Marian images (statues, reliefs, mosaics, wall paintings and on canvas), which were granted the privilege of a solemn coronation by the Chapter of Saint Peter's, according to established procedures and a ceremony that remained in use for nearly four centuries. In this first Vatican exhibition, curated by Pietro Zander, fifteen oil paintings on canvas from fifteen different dioceses in Italy are presented. Subsequent exhibitions will be followed by a rotation with other paintings from other dioceses in Italy, Europe and the world.

During the time of the exhibition, which recounts the profound devotion of these communities to the Mother of the Lord, Saint Peter's Basilica will welcome visits and initiatives from the dioceses of origin of the paintings, facilitating celebrations and special prayer and cultural gatherings.

Press Preview

On 30 May, from 10:00 to 10:40, journalists interested in a preview of the exhibition will be able to take part in a guided tour led by Dr Pietro Zander, who will illustrate the paintings of Crowned Madonnas in the Basilica and those on display in the Treasury Museum.

Accreditation procedure

Journalists and media operators wishing to take part in the press preview must apply, within 24 hours of the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at https://press.vatican.va/accreditamenti