(Aug. 01, 2012) The Vatican announced that beginning from 1st August,
two priests will be assigned to attend to visitors to the Vatican Museums. They will
be available to dialogue with the visitors and to offer them, should they wish, spiritual
advice and assistance. Bishop Giuseppe Sciacca, secretary general of the Governorate
of Vatican City State explained that there is nothing institutional or pretentious
about the initiative. The priests will simply be on hand seated at two strategic
points on the normal itinerary visitors follow, and anyone who wishes may approach
them to exchange a few words, or to reflect together." He said the “Vatican Museums
are unique among the world's great cultural institutions. They are a precious casket
in which, thanks to their wisdom and love of beauty, the Roman Pontiffs have gathered
together what are perhaps the most exalted works that human genius has produced over
the course of the centuries” The prelate added that the Museums are not afraid to
show that they represent a way through which the good news of God-made-man can be
announced to the world. Bishop Sciacca said “The Museums welcome everyone, whatever
their beliefs or origins, while reminding each of them through a statue, a piece
of gold, a painting or a fresco of the goal for which we were created.”