| A rather uncommon initiative has been inaugurated in the Vatican for a listening room to be built inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The goal is to offer a space where pilgrims, tourists, and even people far from the faith can express their doubts, concerns, and spiritual questions. This is how the Secretary of the Fabric of Saint Peter, Monsignor Orazio Pepe, explained it in an interview with media from the basilica. MONS. ORAZIO PEPE Secretary, Fabric of Saint Peter It’s a place where people can come to be heard. There’s a religious brother, a religious sister, and people generally come to express what they carry inside. And it’s open to everyone: pilgrims, people of other religions, even those who no longer believe or are struggling in their life of faith. Mons. Orazio also admits that it’s a place with a special kind of magic—a unique service that focuses solely on listening to those who enter, often stirring up deep emotions and even a few tears. MONS. ORAZIO PEPE Secretary, Fabric of Saint Peter Many people struggle to be heard, to feel accepted, because we’re all a bit rushed and don’t make time for others. So this listening point is dedicated to those who wish to be listened to. This is not a confessional, but rather a different kind of service. It's open to non-Catholics or those who no longer practice their faith. The project is part of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year and aims to be a sign of openness and closeness. BAM Trans. CRT |
