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Carvaggio's "Crucifixion of Peter" and Rafael's "Portrait of Leo X" are among some 100 masterpieces of Christian art that went on display Thursday to mark the 500th anniversary of Saint Peter's Basilica.
On loan from museums around the world, the works may be viewed at the Charlemagne Wing gallery by the basilica until March 8, 2007.
Renaissance masterpieces are arrayed around a model of the basilica's dome designed by Michelangelo in 1558, half a century after work on the structure began.
The exhibit also includes manuscripts and sketches by the artists and architects who took part in the creation of Christianity's most famous church, including a letter from Michelangelo to Pope Pius IV in 1562.
"I gave my soul for this basilica and for the glory of Our Lord, I ask that it not be changed," Michaelangelo wrote in the letter from the Vatican archives, which has never been shown before.
A fragment of stone dating from the fourth century displayed at the end of the exhibit inspired its title, "Peter Is Here".
The stone with its inscription in Greek was found in a necropolis behind the basilica in 1939 and was considered proof that the apostle Peter was buried there.
Pope Julius II laid Saint Peter's first stone on April 18, 1506, but it would be more than 100 years until the basilica was finished and consecrated in 1626.
Michelangelo died in 1564 before his dome was completed.
The imposing Bernini colonnade was built between 1657 and 1666.
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AFPEntertainment-Vatican-art-basilica
AFP 121828 GMT 10 06
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