Opening Wide the Door After 75 Years

Historic door will become new Vatican entrance [Update: click here to see the new bronze door ]

Vatican City, Feb. 08, 2006 (CNA) - The Vatican announced today, that after 75 years, an historic door on the north wall of the Vatican will for the first time, be opened for the use of pilgrims and visitors.

The Governate of the Vatican City State, said that the door, which connects the Vatican with the city of Rome, will be opened on February 10th, and serve as an exit for pedestrians and cars from the Saint Rose parking lot.

In 1929, the year of the Lateran Pacts between the Holy See and Italy, Pope Pius XI had the door opened for the construction of the so-called “Vatican industrial zone.”

The entrance has since been adorned with bronze sculpted by artist Gino Giannetti. It will now be opened permanently and bear the Vatican coat of arms along with the insignia of Pope Benedict and the inscription: "Benedictus XVI Pont.Max. Anno Domini MMV Pont.I."

Vatican officials say that the entryway will also alleviate automobile traffic inside the Holy See, which up until now, has only been accessible through the Saint Anne door.