ABSTRACT
The enormous basilica was meant to demonstrate the Church’s
triumph over schism, heresy, the abnegation of her Sacraments
and interference in her affairs by emperors, kings and councils.
It was to be a concrete testimony of her powers of withstanding
the tempests of a hostile world. It was the loud proclamation of
papal supremacy over the universal Christian Church. Nearly every
component of St Peter’s is symbolic of this great boast. The marble
relief of Bonvicino over the central door to the portico pictures
Christ handing the keys to Peter. This is the initial reminder to
those about to enter that divine authority has been committed
to the papacy. Lest the visitor should be in any doubts, the relief by
Bernini over the central door into the church itself next brings to his
eyes and understanding the doctrinal incident, ‘Feed my Sheep’. It
lays emphasis upon the spiritual leadership given by God to Peter
and his successors. The basilica was meant then to be not only a
colossal token of victory but an instrument of propaganda.1
