My purpose in posting this thread was to provide the archaelogical background on St. Peter's. How unfortunate that some guests have used it as an opportunity to bash the Catholic Church. Catholic freepers show respect for those from other religious denominations. Yet those who profess to be christians, use certain threads to launch salvos at catholic freepers. Perhaps you mothers never taught you proper christian manners: "If you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all." It is not "Catholic Bashing" when you are called on a falsehood. You tell a story and others have a right to tell a different story.
The most precious of Peter's bones found in the Graffiti Wall are the 29 fragments of the Apostle's skull. Note: the 29 pieces of Peter's skull found in the Grafitti Wall are not to be confused with Peter's other skull, which is stored in the Cathedral of St. John Lateran.
How many skulls did Peter have?
"Those who visit the Basilica on pilgrimage visit it not just because it is the head of all churches and the Pope’s cathedral. The wooden altar on which St Peter celebrated Mass while in Rome is inside the main altar. The heads of Sts Peter and Paul were
once believed to be inside busts above the main altar"
You see my friend, once believed is very much different from is now. Besides, skulls have been found in pieces. Nothing says it was found in one piece. (From this site... http://www.frtommylane.com/homilies/ years_abc/dedication_basilica_john_lateran.htm)