Notice of Press Conference

On Monday 16 February 2026, at 11.30, a press conference will be held at the Holy See Press Office, Via della Conciliazione 54, to present the initiatives for the fourth Centenary of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican (1626-2026).

The speaker will be: His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, O.F.M. Conv., archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, vicar general of His Holiness for Vatican City State and president of the Fabric of Saint Peter.

On the occasion, several activities of a spiritual and cultural nature will be announced, as well as the new services which will be made available to pilgrims and visitors. In addition, the project “Oltre il visibile” (“Beyond the Visible”), organized jointly with Eni, for the integrated study and monitoring of the Basilica, will be illustrated. The project is particularly significant given that cutting-edge technologies will enable visitors from all over the world to learn about and interact with the Basilica and its digital ecosystem. In this regard, there will be a press tour of the immersive installation dedicated to the story of the construction of Saint Peter's Basilica.

To this end, the following will speak:

• Claudio Granata, Director for Stakeholder Relations & Services of Eni;

• Alberto Capitanucci, Senior advisor for Special Projects of the Fabric of Saint Peter;
• Annalisa Muccioli, Head of Research and Development and technical functions of Eni;
• Jacopo Veneziani, Art historian.

The press conference will be livestreamed in the original language on the Vatican News YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/c/VaticanNews

Remote participation

Journalists and media operators who wish to participate remotely in the press conference must apply, no later than two hours before the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at https://press.vatican.va/accreditamenti, selecting the event: CS Quarto Centenario Dedicazione Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano.

During the request phase, please select the option “Sì” in the box “Partecipazione da remoto”.

Journalists and media operators who are admitted will receive confirmation of participation via the online accreditation system and, at the same time, the link to access the virtual platform and participate actively in the press conference, with the possibility to ask questions.

Participation in person

Journalists and media operators who wish to participate in the press conference in person must apply, no later than 24 hours before the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at https://press.vatican.va/accreditamenti, selecting the event: CS Quarto Centenario Dedicazione Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano.

Journalists and media operators who are admitted will receive confirmation of participation via the online accreditation system.

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Journalists and media operators accredited for the press conference are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the start time.