During the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, this statue of the first Pope is dressed in papal vestments.
This only happens twice per year. First, on February 22, on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter and the second on June 29, during the Feast of the patrons of Rome.
POPE FRANCIS
The witness of the two great Apostles Peter and Paul comes alive today in the Liturgy of the Church. To the first, imprisoned by King Herod, the angel of the Lord says:'Arise, quickly.” To the second, summing up his whole life and apostolate, he says:“I have fought the good fight.”
During the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the statue is dressed with a crown, the fisherman's ring and an embroidered red mantle. Although St. Peter never wore these garments, they aid the faithful in recognizing the bond he has with his successors.
The statue of St. Peter holds the keys of the Church in his left hand while extending a blessing with his right. His foot is worn by the affection of pilgrims who have come to pray before him for hundreds of years.
PA
TR: AT
