The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the State of the Vatican City is home to a large number of sculptures of Popes and Saints, many of which are the works of noted artists.
The statue of Pope Gregory XIII is an impressive work created in 1723, depicting the Pope flanked by allegorical representations of Religion (holding the tablets of law) and Magnificence. Gregory XIII was responsible for the institution of the Gregorian Calendar, the calendar which, for the most part, is still used today.
The statue of Pope Leo XII was created in 1836. It shows the Pope in the act of imparting the papal blessing during the Jubilee year of 1825. When elected to the papacy, Pope Leo XII tried to decline saying “You are electing a dead man.”
The statue of Saint Camillus de Lellis dates from 1753. Saint Camillus founded the Ministers of the Sick (the Camellians).
The statue of Saint Peter of Alcantara was created in 1713. Saint Peter of Alcantara preferred to preach to the poor. He was known for his gift of contemplation and his virtue of penance. He is the patron saint of Brazil and Extremadura, Spain.
Pope Gregory XIII
SOURCE: Pope Gregory XIII (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
Pope Leo XII
SOURCE: Pope Leo XII (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
Saint Camillus de Lellis
SOURCE: Saint Camillus de Lellis (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
Saint Peter of Alcantara
SOURCE: Saint Peter of Alcantara (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
Copyright © 2011 by Stephen J. Danko
