The Vatican is planning an historic end to the Year of Faith by placing the bones of St. Peter on display for the first time since their discovery decades ago.

The Daily Mail is reporting that Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, announced that the relics of the saint will be on display for pilgrims to enjoy at St. Peter’s tomb on November 24, which is the culmination of the Year of Faith.

The bones of the humble fisherman from Capernaum, who was martyred in Rome in either A.D. 64 or 67, have been kept under wraps since their discovery during routine construction under the floor of St. Peter’s in 1939. It was at this time that archeologists discovered a cache of mausoleums of both pagan and Christian origin which they were given permission to excavate.

“The research carried out by Archaeologist Margherita Guarducci led to the discovery of a chapel supported by a wall – covered in precious graffiti which Guarducci managed to decode – that dates back to the year 150,” reports Vatican Insider. “The writing contained invocations to Peter and references to Christ and Mary. One of the messages, which dates back to 160, is written in Greek and reads: ‘Petros eni’, ‘Peter is within’.”

Bones were discovered inside a box located within a burial recess near where this graffiti was discovered. They were encrusted with earth and wrapped inside a piece of purple woolen cloth with golden thread – which was considered to be an ornate burial for the time.

After analysis, the bones were found to be from one man with a robust build who died at an advanced age. Fragments of all the bones of his body were found except those of the feet.

It was not until the Holy Year of 1950 that Pope Pius XII announced that Peter’s tomb had been found. Another 18 years would pass before Pope Paul VI announced that his remains had also been discovered.

“New investigations, most patient and accurate, were subsequently carried out with the results that we, comforted by the judgment of qualified, prudent and competent people, believe are positive. The relics of Saint Peter have been identified in a way we believe convincing,” Pope Paul VI said during a General Audience on June 26, 1968.

Church officials have decided that the end of the Year of Faith is the perfect time to expose these priceless relics to the faithful.

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