“The baldachin, as tall as a 10-story building, can be seen from any point in the basilica. It is the focal point of the basilica,” Gambetti said during the news conference. “The provisional works and the works on the construction site will not hinder the celebration of papal ceremonies on the main altar. Indeed, just as during the construction of the basilica, it will be possible to continue celebrating Holy Mass at Peter’s Tomb.”
The impressive undertaking will also need significant financing. For this, the Vatican has turned to the U.S.-based Knights of Columbus, a lay Catholic men’s organization with over 2 million members that has already collaborated with the Vatican on 16 artistic projects. The Knights will cover the full 700,000 euro bill for the restoration.
“The decision to support the restoration of the Baldacchino of St. Peter’s was an easy one for the Knights of Columbus. Why are we doing this?” said Patrick Kelly, the supreme knight of the organization. “Well, in the first place … it’s Bernini’s Baldacchino!”
Speaking at the presentation event at the Vatican, Kelly said the restoration is also an opportunity for the Knights of Columbus to fulfill its mission.
“It’s a singular masterpiece of sacred art — one which is instantly recognizable and impressive,” he said. “But, if that weren’t enough, this project also fits very well with our mission and with our history of service to the church, and especially, the successors of St. Peter.”
This article originally appeared here.
