- The Vatican is commemorating the 400th anniversary of St Peter’s Basilica’s consecration with a series of visitor-focused enhancements.
- New initiatives include expanded access to the basilica's terrace, an upgraded snack bar, and a streamlined online reservation system to reduce queues.
- Further improvements involve simultaneous translations for Masses in up to 60 languages and a new permanent exhibition detailing the basilica's rich history.
- The upgraded snack bar, which generated media discussion about serving food in a sacred space, was defended by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti as acceptable for visitors.
- These initiatives, sponsored by Italian energy giant ENI, commemorate the consecration in 1626 by Pope Urban VIII of St. Peter’s
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