One of the most significant ceremonies at Pope Bendict XVI's ascension to the throne of St Peter took place at the beginning of the Mass with a visit to the grottoes underneath St. Peter's Basilica to pay homage at the tomb of the first Pope, St. Peter. Pope Benedict XVI had in mind to underline that he "was not elected successor of John Paul II, but of Peter." The Holy Father, accompanied by the Eastern patriarchs, went down from the Altar of the Confession to the first Pope's sepulcher. At that moment, two deacons collected the two symbols that would later be imposed on the Pope: the Fisherman's Ring and the pallium, which had been laid by the tomb throughout the night. "I leave from where the apostle arrived," Benedict XVI said before processing to St. Peter's Square for the coronation.
STAIRWAY TO ST PETER'S TOMB BENEATH THE MAGNIFICENT BERNINI ALTAR
INDESCRIBABLY BEAUTIFUL CEILING OF THE TOMB.
