The Vatican City and Saint Peter’s Basilica are even more spectacular than pictures depict it to be. Upon entering the Basilica, golden beams of light shine through the top windows of the apse casting their light upon
Bernini’s bronze-sculpted, baroque-style canopy, or baldachin. As I marvel at the magnificent splendor of such beautifully sculpted artwork--Solomonic columns adorned with golden Cherubim, a bright golden altar, and all above me, gold coffered ceilings--the choir begins to sing in a melodious harmony that could best be described as angelic--maybe even otherworldly.
The text around the drum of the dome reads:
"Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram aedificabo ecclesiam mean et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum" meaning, "You are 'Rock' and on this rock I will build my Church, to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven." (Mt 16:18).
"Quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in coelis. Et quodcumque solveris super terram erit solutum et in coelis" is a continuation of the words written on the drum and translates to: "I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
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