Fabric of Saint Peter in the Vatican

Directorate of Communication

Press Release

VATICAN CITY, 29 JUNE – At 9.30 this morning, Pope Francis presided over the Eucharistic celebration on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, and blessed the Pallia destined for the new metropolitan archbishops. Around 5,500 faithful and over 200 participated and over 200 priests concelebrated.

“Today we join and pray together with the Pope at the Tomb of Saint Peter. The moment of contemplation of the Holy Father at the end of the solemn Eucharistic celebration for the blessing of the Pallia was strong and meaningful. We join with him on this most solemn day”, announced Fr. Enzo Fortunato, Director of Communication of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican.

“On this feast day, the Statute and Regulations of the Chapter of Saint Peter, along with the Statute and Regulation of the Fabric of Saint Peter, are published. They are both the fruit of a journey undertaken long before His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, arrived, and of the experience gained after the application of the temporary norms which concerned both the Fabric and the Chapter. The prospect that is opening up is that of a more beneficial animation of the Basilica, its conservation and enhancement in order to welcome the millions of pilgrims and visitors who come to the shrine every year, especially in view of the Jubilee”.

On the feast of Saints Peter and Paul we join in that solemn act of Pope Francis who, at the end of the celebration, paused to pray at the Tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, the principle of unity and the foundation on which the Church is built. The new norms endeavour to translate the same immutable principles into a current form”.

Directorate of Communication of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter

comunicazioneistituzionale@fsp.va

Fr. Enzo Fortunato O.F.M. Conv. (Director) +393334440357

Beatrice Offidani (Assistant) +393461425033