Vatican Museums Exhibit Saint Peter and Saint John Vestments

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Vatican Museums to Exhibit Saint Peter and Saint John Vestments

The Vatican Museums will showcase the vestments of Saint Peter and Saint John, two reliquaries of immeasurable value safeguarded in a secret chamber in Rome for centuries along with other treasures accumulated by the popes. These relics, including the tunic said to have been worn by the founder of the Church, Saint Peter, and the dalmatic attributed to the Evangelist, were announced by the Vatican Museums in a press release.

The unveiling of these relics is scheduled for the coming Thursday, with the participation of the museum director Barbara Jatta and a panel of restorers and historians. The event will also display the results of conservation work performed on the tunics. The two precious garments will be shown for a brief period within the museum route, specifically in a room near the exit of the Sistine Chapel, as stated in the institution’s communique. [Vatican Museums, official statement, multiple outlets, cited for context].

The two pieces originate from the Sancta Sanctorum Treasury, a chamber in a building adjacent to the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, which also houses the Holy Stair, the steps believed to have been climbed by Jesus during his Passion and later brought to Rome by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.

The chamber dates back to the thirteenth century, during the era of Pope Nicolaus III. In April 1903, after many failed attempts, a locksmith managed to break the heavy locks that had guarded the Sancta Sanctorum for centuries. Inside, numerous relics and works of priceless value were discovered, including the gem-adorned Cross of Pope Sergius, the icon described as a healing image, the enamel Cross of Pope Paschal I, a reliquary, stones brought from the Holy Land, and other objects. [Vatican Museums archival notes, summarized].

Subsequently, much of the treasure was moved to the Vatican Apostolic Library by order of Pope John Paul II, under the responsibility of the Vatican Museums. The relocation and ongoing study of these relics reflect the broader effort to preserve and interpret this ancient collection for visitors today. [Historical records from Vatican archives, overview cited].

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