It was a quick timetable: in about 20 minutes the sanpietrini men would light every lantern.
This image is from a 1930s newsreel as seen in the old film, "Pastor Angelicus" (Released in America in 1946 as "The Story of the Pope" with an introduction by Francis Card. Spellman and narrated by Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen; available on DVD from Keep the Faith). The occasion was, I think, a canonization.
During the restoration of St. Peter's from '97-'99 the metal holders were all removed, however they remain on the dome and you can see them from the cupola even today.
Sometimes it's the good old days that we mancare.
Wow this is a fantastic shot and reminds me of the Glory days of a bygone era. They should have kept the torches and done it once a year. I bet it would save on the electric bill. I tried to find more photos and images like this to no avail
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