This is the altar of the Chair of Peter. It's located a few meters from the Altar of Confession in St. Peter's Basilica.
Few people know that this spectacular monument is a reliquary. Inside it is the chair that, according to tradition, St. Peter used.
It's a wooden throne that symbolizes the governing authority the pope has over the Church.
In fact, last year, at the request of Pope Francis, it was displayed for the first time in more than a century. Due to its age and fragility, it is not used.
However, St. Peter's isn't the seat of the Bishop of Rome. It's St. John Lateran, Rome's cathedral.
It's there that one of the most overlooked details that best illustrates the authority and power of the Supreme Pontiff is found.
It has much to do with Psalm 91. It expresses trust in God's protection, particularly in times of danger. Pay attention to this verse:
“They will bear you up in their hands,
lest you strike your foot against a stone;
you will tread on vipers and adders,
you will trample on lions and dragons.”
In May, Pope Leo XIV came to his cathedral to take possession of the chair: St. John Lateran.
On the first step of the chair, the four types of animals mentioned in the Psalm are carved. With the Pope on the throne, it takes on its full meaning: the Pontiff can face the adversities of the world with God's assistance.
It is a detail that can be overlooked, but when faith goes hand in hand with art, wonders emerge that can transport us to the mystery of God and better understand the meaning of the Petrine ministry.
AM
TR: GS
