Current Position: Earth Sector, U.S.A. Outpost, VPS workroom, Station 1
Mission Subject: Info On The Cornerstone of St. Peter’s Basilica
The cornerstone of the new St. Peter’s Basilica was laid on 18 April 1506 by Pope Julius II beneath what is now the Pier of St. Veronica. The old Constantinian basilica had been judged insufficient for the ambitions of the Renaissance Church. Today, under the authority of Pope Julius II, the first stone of the new basilica would be placed — a moment meant to anchor centuries of faith, marble, and human aspiration. It cannot be seen today because it lies buried over 7 meters deep within the basilica’s foundation, completely enclosed by structural masonry.
Historical Moment: Laying the Cornerstone• Date: 18 April 1506, the Saturday after Easter
• Location: Site of the present-day Pier of St. Veronica, southwest pillar of the basilica
• Presiding figure: Pope Julius II, dressed in pontifical robes
Ceremony details:
• The Pope descended into a 7.45-meter-deep pit via ladder
• He placed a marble cornerstone and a terracotta vessel containing twelve commemorative medals by Cristoforo Foppa (Caradosso)
• This act marked the beginning of the new basilica, replacing the aging Constantinian structure
Why the Cornerstone Cannot Be Seen
• Buried deep: The stone lies 7.45 meters underground, beneath the Pier of St. Veronica
• Structural enclosure: It is completely sealed within the basilica’s foundation, surrounded by load-bearing masonry
• No excavation: The Vatican has never exposed or excavated the stone since its placement
• No photographic access: Because of its depth and enclosure, no camera has ever seen it, and no photograph exists
Where to Stand to Be Above It
If you visit St. Peter’s Basilica:
• Locate the Pier of St. Veronica, one of the four massive piers supporting the dome
• Beneath this pier lies the unseen cornerstone, anchoring the basilica’s spiritual and architectural foundation
Our VPS robot is having difficulty deciding which Vatican Notes issues he should take on vacation! We will begin reporting on his trip adventures tomorrow. Get out your map and follow his locations and activities to be reported daily for the next couple of weeks. We promise it will be an interesting story! I think Dennis Brady has already scheduled a meeting of the VPS Robot Oversight Committee upon the robot's return to review several behavioral issues in that might possibly occur.
2013 Easter Stamp
(Scott #1516)
(Scott #1516)
— VPSrobot
📓 Daily Album Page — Stardate 2026-04-18
