Cardinal Presides Over Act of Reparation in St. Peter's Basilica
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica and vicar general of the pope for Vatican City, presided over a penitential rite of reparation at the main altar of the church on October 13.
This followed a serious act of desecration that had taken place at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A man, whose identity has not been revealed, was arrested by security guards on October 13.
A penitential procession began at 12:45 p.m. local time, after which Cardinal Gambetti sprinkled the altar with holy water and incensed it to purify it. The rite emphasized asking God for "forgiveness" for the desecration.
According to Father Enzo Fortunato, director of communications for St. Peter's Basilica, the rite was attended by members of the chapter of the Vatican basilica and focused on seeking forgiveness for the desecration.
- Cardinal Mauro Gambetti presided over the penitential rite.
- The rite took place at the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica.
- A man was arrested for the act of desecration.
Author's summary: Cardinal Gambetti presides over a rite of reparation after desecration.