Saint Peter's Square

Saint Peter's Square, located in Vatican City, is a large public plaza directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it serves as a major gathering place for religious events and papal audiences. The square is newsworthy due to recent activities involving Pope Leo XIV. Most recently, the Pope was seen learning to spin a basketball with assistance from the Harlem Globetrotters during his weekly general audience, drawing a large and cheering crowd. Furthermore, during his Easter Day blessing delivered from the Vatican on April 5, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed thousands of faithful gathered in Saint Peter's Square, lamenting indifference to violence and urging those with the power to start wars to choose peace. This highlights the square's continued significance as a central location for papal pronouncements on global issues and religious celebrations.