In search of St Peter In keeping with the tone of his entire papacy, Francis, the 266th pope since St Peter, has left instructions for a simpler funeral – and burial away from the iconic site of Jesus’ apostle’s crucifixion by the Roman emperor, Nero 1st century AD Circus of Nero: Used during Nero’s persecution of Christians. Many thrown to wild animals, others crucified along low central wall Peter is crucified and buried alongside race track Chariot racing track Obelisk Obelisk from Circus of Nero erected 1586 Baldacchino: Baroque canopy over high altar, designed by Lorenzo Bernini, erected between 1624-33 Papal altar: Used for Mass, canonizations, coronations of emperors and kings, definitions of dogmas 2nd century: Shrine, Trophy of Gaius, erected over Peter’s grave 319-349 AD: Constantine – first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity – builds first Basilica over grave 1506: Pope Julius II lays first stone of present-day St Peter’s Basilica Designed by 10 architects, notably Donato Bramante and Michaelangelo, construction takes 120 years during reigns of 10 Popes Confessio: Entrance to Sacred Grottoes illuminated by eternal flames of 100 lamps 20th century 1940-49: Archaeological excavations under Papal altar uncover sealed niche containing bones and cloth fragments embroidered with gold thread June 1963: Remains identified as those of sturdy 1st-century male, aged mid-60s, wrapped in fabric dating from 4th century. Possibly bones of the Apostle Trophy of Gaius: 1940s excavations below Confessio reach original 150AD structure Niche believed to contain St Peter’s remains Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The last pope to break with tradition in this way was Leo XIII in 1903 EAST Paul VI John Paul I Benedict XVI: tomb vacated by John Paul II on beatification Crypt Confessio Triple coffin: Cypress, lead and hardwood caskets Papal altar WEST Grottoes and necropolis hold tombs of 147 previous popes Trophy of Gaius Vatican Hill Pre-Constantine necropolis St Peter’s tomb Sources: St Peter’s Basilica, Margherita Guarducci, Vatican Press Office © GRAPHIC NEWS