Papal Pad Remodeling

Vatican, Sep. 27 (CWNews.com) - When he returns to the Vatican on September 28, after an 11-week absence, Pope Benedict XVI will find his apartment thoroughly renovated.
The Holy Father left Rome on July 11 for a vacation in the Italian Alps, followed by two months at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Although he has returned to the Vatican briefly, by helicopter, for his weekly public audiences, he has not spent a night in Rome since early July.

During the Pope's absence, the papal apartment on the third floor of the apostolic palace has been a busy work site, with more than 100 tradesmen-- carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and painters-- involved in the renovation. During the summer, tourists have often been able to see the scaffolding set up inside the apartment, through the open windows overlooking St. Peter's Square.

The Pope's apartment, which his predecessor had occupied for more than 26 years, now boasts an entirely new kitchen, with a new German stove donated by the manufacturer. There is new furniture throughout the apartment, also contributed by German donors. A miniaturized medical clinic, hastily installed in the papal lodgings for the ailing John Paul II, has been modernized, and expanded to include facilities for dental work as well.

The renovation also included work on the apartments above the papal suite, where his staff aides live and work. And the workers repaired the terrace on the roof of the apostolic palace, which provides an unmatched view of the city of Rome.

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