“Although with its shadows, the history of the Church is a history of faith, love and zeal”. This was said by the Secretary of State, card. Tarcisio Bertone, as he unveiled, in Rome, the exhibition “Habemus Papam. Papal elections, from Saint Peter to Benedict XVI", set up in the state apartment of the Apostolic palace of the Lateran, which used to be the official residence of the Roman Pontiffs until the exile of Avignon and which since 1377 has hosted a wide number of conclaves. The exhibition, which coincides with the 500th anniversary of the Basilica of Saint Peter and the start of the Vatican Museums, displays a number of works from Vatican and Roman collections, selected to illustrate how Popes have been elected over the centuries, from Peter to Benedict XVI. “It does not fail to highlight the mysterious action of God, who with His providence, guides the walk of the Church, founded on Peter and his legitimate Successors”, stated Bertone, who highlighted how "its value lies in helping people understand that, although through events that are sometimes affected by human weaknesses and political interests, it is always the Lord who guides the election of the Supreme Pontiffs. The Pope, even when plots, subterfuges and conflicts seem to prevail, has never failed his mission". (to be continued)
