Today, millions of visitors come to the Vatican specifically to admire the Sistine Chapel. Pope john

Today is the 500th anniversary of the completion of the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. To commemorate the occasion, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated morning Vespers in the chapel. Michelangelo painted how to travel from italy to austria by train what is regarded as one of his greatest masterpieces between 1508 and 1512.
ROME, ITALY (Catholic Online) - The Sistine chapel features nine panels completed by Michelangelo inspired by the story of our creation in Genesis. The most famous panel features God extending his hand to touch fingers with Adam, and infuse him with life.
Today, millions of visitors come to the Vatican specifically to admire the Sistine Chapel. Pope john Paul II declared, "This is a priceless cultural and universal heritage. This is confirmed by the countless pilgrims from every nation in the world who come to admire the work of the supreme masters and to recognize in this Chapel a sort of wonderful synthesis of painting."
Despite its popularity as a tourist attraction, the chapel is still used as it was intended, for prayer. Visitors are respectfully asked to keep the sacred space quiet. It is also the place where papal elections are held.
For those who want to see the Sistine Chapel, the time to go is sooner rather than later. Efforts to preserve the work are putting pressure on officials to limit access to the painting. Experts cite the fact of two million breathing and perspiring visitors per year and the chemicals, dust, and pressure they exude into the room as degrading the work over time.
Missionary Intention: Christ, light for all humanity. That Christ may reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church. Keywords: Sistine Chapel , Pope Benedict XVI , Michelangelo
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