Da settembre si potrà mangiare sulla cupola di San Pietro

A new restaurant, known as a bistrot, will open atop the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome starting in September, unless Pope Francis intervenes to block the project. The initiative has sparked controversy within the Vatican and among parts of the Catholic community, with some viewing the move as inappropriate given the sacred nature of the site. The plan was first announced in January and initially dismissed by the Basilica as merely an expansion of existing facilities, but recent developments suggest the project could proceed. The proposed bistrot would occupy space opposite the current bar located on the terrace of the basilica. According to reports, final inspections and setup work have been completed, including a private tasting session held in the future venue. The idea was spearheaded by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the parish priest of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Originally, the proposal included a larger dining facility capable of serving over 100 guests, but this was later scaled back to the more modest bistrot concept. Cardinal Gambetti argues that visitors should be allowed access to food services since restrooms and a bar already exist on the top of the basilica. Despite the Basilica’s insistence that the project is simply an extension of visitor amenities aimed at managing tourist flow more effectively, opposition persists. Critics argue that using a sacred symbol of Catholicism for commercial purposes is inappropriate. A petition was launched addressing Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, requesting the suspension of the project. Petitioners cited Canon 1210 of the Code of Canon Law, which prohibits activities in holy places that are inconsistent with worship promotion. Supporters of the project counter that the presence of entrance tickets and the existing bar on the terrace already aligns with the principle. The proposal fits into a broader effort to partially museumify Saint Peter’s Basilica, initiated during the papacy of Pope Francis. This trend includes making parts of the site more accessible to tourists while maintaining its religious significance. However, the final decision rests with Pope Francis himself. So far, he has avoided publicly commenting on the issue, leaving the outcome uncertain. The Vatican continues to debate whether the project respects both the spiritual and practical needs of visitors. As preparations near completion, the fate of the bistrot hinges on the Pope’s response.