Churches

April 8, 2012 11:10 AM

Why does St Peter's Basilica have a stained glass image of the Holy Spirit instead of a Crucifix above the altar?
posted by helloimjohnnycash to Religion & Philosophy (3 answers total)

Best answer: I believe it's above the throne of St. Peter and not the altar. Also, it's painted on transparent yellow alabaster, not stained glass. Lastly, I think it's a dove because that was the choice of Bernini when he instructed the painter.

The altar is beneath the enormous bronze pavilion more toward the center of the structure, and beneath the dome. It is capped by a very large golden crucifix.
posted by empyrean at 11:32 AM on April 8, 2012 [3 favorites]

Best answer: Empyrean is correct; the image you're referring to is not about the papal altar but rather Bernini's throne of St. Peter. You can read about it here. For example,

In their midst is the precious window of Bohemian glass, divided into twelve sections as a tribute to the Twelve Apostles; a brilliant dove stands out against it, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the soul of the Church which he never ceases to help and to guide.

posted by Justinian at 11:50 AM on April 8, 2012

The altar in St. Peter's Basilica is underneath the baldacchino, not at the 'rear' of the space.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 2:00 PM on April 8, 2012