An exhibition, an international conference, issues of commemorative stamps and medals. This is the official schedule presented in the Vatican this morning developed by the "Fabbrica di San Pietro", Saint Peter’s Vestry Board, to commemorate the 500 years of the Patriarchal Basilica. It starts on June 29th with Thanksgiving Mass on the Day of the Most Holy apostles Peter and Paul. October 3rd will see the opening of an exhibition (lasting until March 8th 2007, Braccio di Carlomagno, Vatican City) named "Petros Eni" ("Peter is here") "aimed at leading the visitor along a trail bringing together the most significant stages of the historical-artistic and architectural development of the Basilica", starting from the laying of the first stone on April 18th 1506. It was mgr. Angelo Comastri, president of Saint Peter’s Vestry Board, who explained the title of the exhibition. In 1939, Pope Pius XII decided "somewhat daringly" to start excavations underneath the Basilica of Saint Peter’s in search of the apostle’s tomb. (to be continued)
