On February 7, a remarkable incident occurred at Saint Peter’s Basilica, drawing attention to a Romanian man who unexpectedly leaped onto the main altar.
Quick to react, security personnel rushed in to ensure the safety of everyone present.
The Incident
Video footage captured the dramatic moment as the man jumped onto the altar, removed the altar cloth, and caused damage to six golden candle holders, with the estimated worth of the destroyed items around $31,000.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, spoke with ANSA, indicating that mental health struggles likely prompted the man’s actions.
After being apprehended, he was taken into custody by the Vatican Police and later handed over to Italian authorities for additional support.
Significance of the Altar
The altar at Saint Peter’s Basilica holds tremendous significance, situated above the tomb of Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles.
It stands as a powerful symbol for countless believers around the globe.
Dominating the interior, its splendid baldacchino, crafted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1633, features four magnificent bronze columns that rise to a height of 95 feet.
In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee year, extensive restoration work took place in 2024, funded largely by the Knights of Columbus, totaling approximately $768,000.
Anticipation is building as pilgrims from all over the world plan to converge in large numbers, with around 32 million visitors expected to flock to the Vatican this year in celebration of the Jubilee.
Past Disruptions
Though the man’s motives for his actions remain uncertain, the Vatican has faced disruptions in the past.
A notable incident occurred in 2019 when a man threw a candelabra from the altar, causing significant damage.
One of the most alarming episodes took place in 1972, when a Hungarian geologist named Laszlo Toth struck Michelangelo’s renowned Pietà statue with a hammer.
Despite its severe injury, the masterpiece was painstakingly repaired and is now displayed behind bullet-proof glass to safeguard it for future admirers.
In light of these incidents, it’s essential to appreciate the beauty and strength that Saint Peter’s Basilica embodies, continually shining as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the heart of the Vatican.