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Guided tours of Sistine Chapel, museums are planned

Polish Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, almoner for Pope Francis, has invited 150 homeless people to receive personal tours of the Vatican’s artistic treasures Thursday, March 26.

According to Vatican Radio:

The visit is set for the early afternoon. After arriving at the Petrine entrance, the guests will be divided into three groups for guided tours. Before arriving at the Museums, the groups will enjoy a privileged visit to grounds of Vatican City, passing by the Casa Santa Marta and behind the apse of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Their first stop in the Museums will be at the newly re-arranged Pavilion of the Carriages, where historical papal carriages and automobiles are on display. Afterwards, the groups will visit the Gallery of the Candelabra and the Gallery of the Maps on their way to the Sistine Chapel. The viewing of Michelangelo’s masterpiece will be a private showing, reserved solely for the guests of the Papal Almoner; the Chapel will be closed to the public during the visit.

The tours are organized by the Office of Papal Charities, which has also donated sleeping bags, built showers, and offered haircuts to the homeless who frequent St. Peter’s Square. Read more here.