Mark Francis A.

Villegas

Grade 12- STEM 1

The Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, where it considered

as the home of Pope. Inside the Vatican, we can witness the sculptures of the famous artists of all

time, including the well-known sculptures and paintings that was detailed in all aspects. Like

Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s

ceiling. The video that we watched was entitled "secret access: the Vatican (2011)", and it takes

place the journey inside the Vatican, the secret places that is strictly prohibited to be seen

publicly but by permission to the authority of the Vatican Church, they open it for the media to

see what's inside and even the places beneath the church.

In the first part of the documentary, the "city of the dead" was released by one of the

personnel inside the Vatican. It shows that, beneath of the St. Peter's Basilica has fascinating

graves with bones left in centuries, including the remains of St. Peter the original Pope. The St.

Peter's Basilica is very famous church in the world, it is because of the intricate gold details,

marble structures, famous status, painting depicting divine beings, and masterpiece from

renowned artist like Michaelangelo and Bernini, which was contributed such great artworks of

all time.

The next is the vaults of secret archives that are waiting to get enlisted and include to the

world's hidden histories that might change the world's perception about the past. The Vatican

secret archives are one of the most and grandest historical figures and collections in the world. It

also shows the Pope's private offices and glamorous TV rooms. Inside the private office are the
vintage chalice, scapulars, rings, accessories, and other gold platted objects that belongs to the

Pope.

These are worth billions of monies; because it was used by the old Popes reigned in the

past centuries. The show also explores the long and deafening relationship between the Vatican

and the US documents that date back to the Civil war and exploring relationship with Pope John

Paul II in their quest to combat the Soviets during the cold war. The Vatican church has its own

bank that stored in a specialized building, they said that the money was earned because of the

donations, offers, entrance fee of the tourists and etc. In the last part of the show, it tackles that

the Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, with approximately 842 residents and

despite this total number of populations, Vatican City has the highest crime rate in the world. But

regarding to the security of the Pope, there are always a body guard that surrounds him whenever

he has a mass or trip in different part of the world. These bodyguards are all Swiss, a highly

military trained, to ensure the safeties of the Pope.

In addition, Rome is an important place of pilgrimage, specifically for Roman Catholics.

The Vatican is the hone of the Pope, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope

is also known as the Holy Father, for he was managing the Catholic Church as the worlds

dominated religion. Pilgrimage is very important in some religious traditions. As a Christian, I

believe that it can help them develop spiritually and bring us closer to God. Pope is one of the

most and greatest symbols of the Roman Catholic Church. As we worship God, we make

ourselves closer and always put God at the centre of our faith.