Prayerful presence in St. Peter's Basilica is reminder of its purpose

Published: 2007-10-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- More than enforcing a dress code and broadcasting a multilingual reminder that St. Peter's Basilica is a church, seeing people praying in the basilica reminds tourists that the magnificent building is designed to give glory to God, Pope Benedict XVI said. "In this sacred place where thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world come each day, there must be a stable community of prayer," the pope told the priests who form the chapter of St. Peter's Basilica. Archbishop Angelo Comastri, archpriest of the basilica, told the pope that since the sixth century there always has been a group of clergy assigned to pray at the tomb of St. Peter. Pope Benedict said that in recent years the chapter has rediscovered its original purpose, "consisting, first of all, of the ministry of prayer." He said, "If prayer if fundamental for all Christians, for you, dear brothers, it can be said to be a professional obligation."

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