Vatican City, Apr 28, 2011 / 10:08 am
An exhibit chronicling the life of John Paul II will open in St. Peter's Square in honor of the late Pope's upcoming beatification.
The Vatican announced that the “John Paul II: Homage of Benedict XVI for the Beatification” will open on April 29 in the Charlemagne Wing of Bernini's colonnades around St. Peter's Square.
The exhibition, which will remain open until July 24, is divided into 15 sections illustrating the life and pontificate of Karol Wojtyla. Scenes and details from his life will document his infancy and childhood in Wadowice all the way to his funeral in Rome on April 8 in 2005.
The initiative was organized by the Governorate of the Vatican City State along with the Polish Embassy to the Holy See and the Polish Culture and Heritage Ministry.
During the exhibit's inaugural ceremony – which will be attended by Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone among others – the official stamps issued jointly by the Vatican City State and Poczta Polska (Polish Post) will be presented.
The tribute to the late pontiff comes as 2 million people are expected to flood the streets of Rome in the upcoming days to celebrate John Paul II's May 1 beatification.