The relic of the first Pope, also known as the ‘Cathedra Sancti Petri Apostoli’, is an ancient wooden throne dating back to the beginnings of Christianity.
Newsroom (02/10/2024 15:09, Gaudium Press) On Wednesday morning, October 2, after presiding at the opening Mass of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis had the rare opportunity to look closely at the Chair of St. Peter.
Symbol of the primacy of St. Peter the Apostle
The relic of the first Pope, also known as the ‘Cathedra Sancti Petri Apostoli’, is an ancient wooden throne that dates back to the beginnings of Christianity and symbolizes the primacy of Saint Peter the Apostle, to whom Our Lord Jesus Christ entrusted the leadership of his Church.
This historic moment came after restoration work on the famous monument created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, located in the apse of St. Peter’s Basilica. The piece, usually kept in a shrine, represents the spiritual authority of St. Peter the Apostle and his successors.
The link between the current pontificate and St. Peter the Apostle
During the restoration process of Bernini’s works, underway for the Jubilee, the carefully preserved original Chair was temporarily removed and presented to Pope Francis, who had the opportunity to take a closer look at this historic and representative symbol of the Catholic Church.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father could admire in detail this important relic of immense significance, thus reinforcing the link between the current pontificate and St. Peter the Apostle, the first Pope in the history of the Catholic Church. (EPC)
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
