I sat next to the obelisk a couple of weeks ago for a couple of hours, moving around it as the sun moved so I could be in the shade while my family stood in line for a couple of hours to go in the Basilica. I now wish I had paid more attention while I was sitting there, it was over 90 degrees and full sun, was tired from walking. I have been inside the Vatican before but not before symbolism will be their downfall so I wanted to go back in and have a looksee but these old bones werent able to stand in the hot sun to get in. Then I get home and read how Barr, Pompeo, etc have been in Rome!
Now we know the purpose of the obelisk, shade! I hope your trip was memorable.