"Pieta"

Next we saw the "Holy Door." This door was once open to those who had sin that they may pass through it and be forgiven. It became misused so it was bricked up only to be opened by the Pope knocking three times every 100 years. The Jubilee year soon changed to every 50 years and now every 25 years recorded as early as 1400s. Jubilee indulgence!
Don't worry in 2025 if you can't make it to Rome other Basilica's have a "holy door" too, you can find one open near you for the whole year of 2025!


The Pieta

This world famous statue depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus after his crucifixion.
Date created - 1499 AD
Sculptor - Michelangelo
Material - White marble
As close to perfection as you can get! Shortly after the installation of his "pieta" Michelangelo overheard someone remark that it was the work of another sculptor, Cristoforo Solari. Michelangelo then carved MICHAELANGELUS BONAROTUR FLORENTINUS FACIEBAT (Michelangelo Buonarroti Florentine, made it) on the sash running across Mary's breast. It was the only work he ever signed. he later regretted his outburst of pride and swore never to sign another work of his hand.

A few year later the pieta sustained much damage. Four fingers on the Virgin's left hand, broke during a move and were restored in 1736. The most substantial damage occurred on May 21, 1972 (Pentecost Sunday) when a mentally disturbed man walked into the chapel and attacked the Virgin with a geologist's hammer while shouting "I am Jesus Christ, that is not my mother!"

Now it is protected behind bullet proof glass.