Bones to Remember

I never realized how holy bones could be.

Inside the Vatican complex stands the world's largest church. St. Peter's Basilica. It's auditorium seats about 60,000 and outside, 300,000 people can stand to listen to blessings given by the Pope.

It is also the burial place of many people. Over half the Popes are buried inside. Some are hidden beneath the floor in a crypt for such purposes. Others, like this one, are mummified and placed on display in these strange glass cases.

Then there are the bones of St. Peter. His bones are said to be beneath the Papal Altar, pictured in the far background of this photo of the sanctuary; the area is surrounded by four large wooden pillars, between which the Pope stands to deliver the message on special occasions.

There are other tombs here as well. The burial place of Alexander VII was my favorite. It is difficult to see the size from my picture, but it stands about 15 feet high and entirely carved out of marble. Beneath the folds of the 'fabric' at the entrance, a skeleton greets observers. He is holding an hour glass high for us to see.

His message: Death is inevitable. Enjoy life while you have it.

This tomb was carved by the 80 year old sculptor, Bernini, at the request of the Pope Alexander VII before his death.

Apparently each Pope decides his own final resting place and display.

Here is a detailed map outlining all the monuments, many of which we viewed.

St. Peter's Basilica Floorplan