Pope John Paul's Vatican

One thousands years from its origins, atop the simple graveyard of a martyr, it is the most visited place in the world, and the smallest country in the world. For a quarter of a century it had one spiritual leader: Pope John Paul II, the Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church. From the things youve never heard or would least expect.from the art and architecture, to the buried city of the dead. we take you inside Pope John Paul IIs Vatican for a rare visit and a unique look. Though Vatican City is the world's smallest sovereign nation, it is one of the most powerful. Its leader is Europe's last absolute monarch elected by his peers, and carries one of the greatest burdens: the spiritual care of one billion people. His nation of monumental buildings and art has walls designed to keep invading armies at bay. And even today, few people may ever step beyond St. Peters Square and past the Basilica. But it is inside the Vatican where we find the soul of a Church and State. Here, in Vatican City, just 500 people work to serve their Holy Father and his mission. They have their own passports, post office, bank, and even license plates. As we go beyond the walls of St. Peters Square to see the Vatican from the inside, we witness the preparations for, and ordinations of, 30 new priests -- the princes of the Church, and attend the induction ceremony and festivities for the Popes newest young body guards the Swiss Guards. We travel through the Secret Archives and see new technologies that digitally preserve ancient documents, then visit off limits rooms in the Vatican Museums, and metal and ceramics restoration laboratories. We ascend Michelangelos Cupola, where the Basilicas records are stored, then enter the Mosaics Studios, Vatican Radio, and the Web offices supervised by an American nun. We meet the pope's personal photographer, law makers, and the caretakers whose sole job is to maintain the safety of St. Peters Basilica. With Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and his pilgrimage from Washington DC, we attend Pope John Pauls Silver Jubilee the 25th anniversary of his pontificate a week of celebrations that also highlights the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. We go to school to learn how one joins the ranks of the Blessed, how one becomes a Saint, and meet la Miracolata Monika Besra, whose medical miracle seals the Cause for the beatification of Mother Teresa. Join us Inside Pope John Paul IIs Vatican, where saints are proclaimed, cardinals are ordained, where American pilgrims renew their faith, and much of history finds its source.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Vatican web site
• Popes photographer
• Mother Teresa
• Church scandal
• Vatican Radio
• Swiss Guards
• Pope Paul IIs Jubilee
• St. Peters Basilica
• Mosaics Studio
• Sanpietrini
• The Secret Archives
• Vatican Secret Archives
• Consistory
• Monika Besra
• miracles

[mrodhornet2010]

I love how it plays Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets

[kantercompany]

Thank you. I thought it was Purcell, so, much appreciated. We loved the trumpet, too.  Regards. Donna

[kantercompany]

This documentary aired on the Discovery/Travel Channels in 2005. It is 88 minutes in length. Thank you for your earlier comments. It was a privilege to make this film. Donna

[ThePaulsm]

would love to see all of this film.