Urbi et Orbi

Urbi et Orbi

Angels' bridge in Rome with St. Peter's in the background, etching by Giovanni Battista Piranesi

[1] Aelius bridge and Angels' bridge

Domenico Cresti da Passignano: 'Michelangelo presents the model of St. Peter's to the Pope', painting 1619

[2] St. Peter's as the centre of the Catholic Church

John Paul II, delivering the blessing 'urbi et orbi' from the balcony of St. Peter's in Rome, 1996

[3] The Pope's blessing

Popes as "successors" to the Roman Emperors

Rome developed from the capital of the Roman Empire into the religious centre of Christianity. The Popes adopted the title of "Pontifex Maximus" from the Roman Emperors. This was intended to express their view of themselves as "bridge-builders" between God and Man. The Vatican, the papal seat, was the centre of spiritual and political power in the western world for centuries.

Religion

Urbi et Orbi

Role of the Church

Religious diversity

Mission