1 Images Based on Classical Artworks
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Projected onto the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, the moving 3D images are derived from paintings by Raphael, Perugino, and Cavallucci and tell the story of St. Peter’s life. They had the effect of turning the 377-foot-wide building into a movie screen. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, described the exhibit as “an encounter between ancient and modern using 3-D production technologies to enhance masterpieces of the past with a message aimed at the future.” Keep reading to learn more and see videos.
2 Biopic Shown In Square on a Loop This Month
The show includes an eight-minute video, Follow Me: The Life of Peter, which will be repeated every 15 minutes from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. through October 16. Images and narration depict significant events in Peter’s life, including his legendary catch of fish and ultimate martyrdom.
3 Andrea Bocelli Performed At Opening
When the show opened on Oct. 2, operatic tenor Andrea Bocelli sang several songs, including Ave Maria and The First Noel. The video of his performance earned a number of positive comments on Twitter.
4 Who Is St. Peter?
According to Christian tradition, St. Peter was a fisherman from Galilee who became the leader of Jesus’s 12 apostles and the first bishop of Rome. He is believed to be buried on the site of the basilica, a site that draws thousands of faithful each year. “Peter gives light to this place, gives light to the universal church and the world with his humanity, which little by little began to shine with divine light, divine love,” said Cardinal Gambetti. “He tells us, ‘Look, there is a path. I encountered the love of Jesus, who looked deep inside me, and my life was transformed.’”
5 Show Kicks Off Multi-Year Celebration at Site
The show kicks off Art and Faith, a cultural program that is slated to run at the site through Easter. It includes tours to sites in Rome associated with St. Peter and daily prayer. This leads up to the Catholic church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which is expected to draw 30 million Christians to Rome.