St Peter’s terrace bistro in doubt after leadership reshuffle

ROME – Amid preparations for the 400th anniversary of St Peter’s Basilica’s dedication on Nov. 18, the future of controversial plans to open a terrace bistro on a terrace above the world’s largest church remain uncertain following a management shake-up ordered by Pope Leo XIV, Vatican sources say.

  The Rome daily Il Messaggero newspaper has described the project’s future as uncertain after the re-assignment by the pontiff of Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, formerly the Archpriest of the Basilica and president of the Fabbrica di San Pietro, the Vatican department in charge of maintenance of St Peter`s.

   Il Messaggero reported in July that the bistro could open as early as last September, barring papal intervention. Gambetti reportedly presented the terrace expansion proposals in February as part of preparations for the anniversary. 

  The plans would extend the existing refreshment point from the southern to the northern terrace, doubling the refreshment area to 100 square meters to include serving meals to to visitors, according to Messaggero.

  The Holy See Press Office announced Gambetti's transfer to the Archdiocese of Chieti-Vasto on Oct.3, after more than five years as the basilica's archpriest and president of the Fabbrica di San Pietro. Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola's appointment to both posts was annonced on Oct. 10.

  The proposal drew opposition through an online petition addressed to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state. Signatories sought a canonical and pastoral review, questioning whether commercial activity was appropriate near the basilica’s sacred spaces.

  In a statement issued on Jan. 29, St Peter’s Basilica’s Communications Office said opening more terrace space would help reduce crowding inside the basilica. The facilities would remain “respectful of the sacredness of the place”, it said.

  However, following the petition and the transfer of Gambetti to the Italian provinces it is unclear whether the controversial plans for a bistrot or some kind of restaurant have been shelved or still are under discussion.