This is the other historical/artistic column by Sandro Magister that caught my eye in recent days. I am interested especially in Pope Benedict XVI giving a new interpretation to the pair of recently-restored Michelangelo frescoes in the Pauline Chapel. I've done a lot of my artistic work on Michelangelo, who has become my favourite artist in the last decade, and who I take seriously, in fact, as a theologian. So it's interesting for me to hear a sitting Pope, especially one who is one of the greatest theologians alive, also take Michelangelo seriously.

The Pauline Chapel Reopened for Worship. With Two New Features

It is the pope's private chapel, in the Vatican buildings. Subjected to a complete restoration, it again has the altar turned toward the tabernacle. But also new is the interpretation that Benedict XVI has given to the two frescoes by Michelangelo, especially concerning the expression of the apostle Peter...

by Sandro Magister


ROME, July 6, 2009 - The illustrations reproduced above are two details from two frescoes by Michelangelo, facing each other in the Pauline Chapel: the conversion of Paul, and the crucifixion of Peter.

The Pauline Chapel is not open to visitors. Situated in the Vatican buildings just a few steps from the Sistine Chapel, it is a place of prayer reserved for the pope. After undergoing a complete restoration, it was reopened for worship on Saturday, July 4, by Benedict XVI, who presided over vespers there.

The news of the reopening of the Pauline Chapel for worship received scant coverage in the media, being overshadowed by the imminent publication of the encyclical "Caritas in Veritate" and by the meeting between the pope and Barack Obama.

But at least two new developments must be noted.

( Read more... )

Even when they're just playing in my head and memory, my nieces are ridiculously cute and distracting. (I especially can't shake the moment on the phone the other night, where I tried to encourage Sophie in her quest to pee before bed, and she – ever so polite – whispered "Thank You!" back into the phone to me.)

Still, I'm squeezing in good thoughts, vibes, and even prayer for Emily while she's defending now down at Missouri and bringing that story to an end.