Yes, the Chair of St. Peter is not just a symbolic idea; it’s a tangible object with profound spiritual significance for the Catholic Church. Located within the heart of the Vatican City, this ancient relic and the magnificent monument that enshrines it, draw pilgrims and art enthusiasts alike. But to truly understand its importance, we need to explore both its physical location and the deeper meaning it represents.
Discovering the Physical Chair of St. Peter
The physical Chair of St. Peter, known formally as the Cathedra Petri, resides in Vatican City, specifically within St. Peter’s Basilica. To pinpoint its exact location, you need to venture to the rear of this monumental church.
Location within St. Peter’s Basilica
As you walk through the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, make your way to the apse, the semicircular recess at the eastern end of the basilica, behind the main altar. Here, dominating the space, you’ll find the breathtaking Cathedra Petri monument. It stands against the back wall, directly beneath a stunning stained glass window depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove. This placement is deliberate, highlighting the chair’s connection to divine authority and the apostolic succession.
Description of the Cathedra Petri
The Cathedra Petri is not simply an ancient wooden chair on display. What you see is an elaborate and ornate monument crafted by the renowned Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This monumental sculpture encases the original, ancient chair, preserving it for posterity.
The original chair itself, as described in the Catholic Encyclopedia, is a rather simple, unadorned oak armchair. It stands just under two feet off the ground, is nearly three feet wide, and has a back that rises to over three and a half feet. Examination revealed it to be constructed of plain oak with four legs connected by crossbars, featuring iron rings on the sides for carrying poles. The wood shows its age, bearing marks of time and even evidence of pieces removed, presumably as relics throughout history.
Historical Modifications and Bernini’s Contribution
Over centuries, the original Chair of St. Peter underwent repairs and embellishments. However, the most significant transformation occurred in the 17th century when Pope Alexander VII commissioned Bernini to create a fittingly majestic display for this venerable relic.
Bernini’s masterpiece is the bronze casing you see today. It’s a colossal throne-like structure in gilded bronze, dramatically positioned above the apsidal altar. Supporting this magnificent throne are four colossal bronze statues representing Doctors of the Church: St. Ambrose and St. Augustine from the West, and St. John Chrysostom and St. Athanasius from the East. This ensemble creates a powerful visual statement, emphasizing the chair’s importance and the doctrinal authority associated with it. Historically, during the Middle Ages, the chair was annually exhibited to the faithful, and newly elected Popes were solemnly enthroned upon it, further cementing its significance.
The Spiritual Significance of the Chair of St. Peter
While locating the physical Chair of St. Peter is a matter of geographical direction within St. Peter’s Basilica, understanding its true essence requires delving into its spiritual symbolism. The Chair of St. Peter, beyond being a historical artifact, represents the authority and mission entrusted to St. Peter and his successors, the Popes.
Symbol of Papal Authority and Succession
The term “Cathedra” itself is Latin for “chair” or “seat,” and in the early Church, the bishop’s chair (cathedra episcopalis) symbolized his authority to teach and govern his diocese. As the Bishop of Rome, the Pope is considered the successor of St. Peter, whom Jesus designated as the rock upon which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18-19). Therefore, the Chair of St. Peter embodies the unbroken line of apostolic succession and the Pope’s role as the supreme teacher and pastor of the Universal Church.
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter on February 22nd. This feast day, with traditions dating back to the 4th century in Rome, is not about venerating a piece of furniture. Instead, it’s a day to give thanks for the mission Christ entrusted to St. Peter and his successors. As Pope Benedict XVI explained, celebrating the “Chair” of Peter signifies recognizing it as a “privileged sign of the love of God,” who desires to unite and guide the Church towards salvation.
Biblical Readings and their Meaning
The Scripture readings chosen for the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter further illuminate its spiritual meaning. The first reading, 1 Peter 5:1–4, emphasizes the role of Church leaders as shepherds of God’s flock, urging them to serve with humility and dedication, following the example of Christ, the Chief Shepherd. The responsorial Psalm 23, with its familiar imagery of the Lord as “my shepherd,” reinforces the theme of divine guidance and care. The Gospel reading, Matthew 16:13-19, recounts Jesus’ declaration of St. Peter as the rock and the foundation of the Church, directly linking to the authority symbolized by the Chair.
Ex Cathedra and Infallibility
The phrase ex cathedra, meaning “from the chair,” is often associated with papal infallibility. When the Pope makes infallible pronouncements, they are described as ex cathedra statements. However, this doesn’t mean the Pope must be physically seated in the Chair of St. Peter to speak infallibly. Ex cathedra is a figurative expression referring to the Pope speaking with the full authority of his office as Peter’s successor on matters of faith and morals. It’s about the authority of the office, not the physical chair itself.
Conclusion
So, where is the Chair of St. Peter? Physically, it’s in the apse of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, encased within Bernini’s magnificent bronze monument. But more importantly, the Chair of St. Peter exists as a potent symbol of the enduring authority of the papacy, the apostolic succession stretching back to St. Peter, and the mission of the Church to guide believers worldwide. Visiting the Cathedra Petri is not just witnessing a work of art or an ancient artifact; it’s encountering a powerful symbol of faith and the enduring legacy of St. Peter.
