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On May 31, 2005, a “Motu Proprio” of
Pope Benedict XVI completely re-organized the
administration of the Basilica, and the entire
extraterritorial complex, as we journey into the
21st century [1].
The Pope appointed an Archpriest,
Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, who
initiated several important works.
Nowadays, as in the past, the
progress of these works depends on the generosity
and donations of the faithful and pilgrims coming
here from the fourth corners of the globe.
In December 2006, the
Archpriest-Cardinal made visible to the public the
raw marble sarcophagus, which at present can be
reached by passing underneath the Papal altar, and
also the wall of the Paleo-Christian apse, which can
be viewed through a transparent glass panel.
1) The
extraterritorial complex of Saint Paul
Outside-the-Walls includes the large Basilica, the
Abbey run by the Benedictine monks for the past
thirteen centuries and other buildings and areas now
dedicated to tasks concerning the institutional
functions of the Church. It belongs to the Holy See,
which exercises power over it, and enjoys a special
legal status, in accordance with the norms of
international law (the Lateran Treaty of 1929 and
subsequent Agreements between the Holy See and Italy).
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The
Basilica
