St Peter's Basilica gets terrace cafe, translated mass for 400th birthdayReports of a cafe on the terrace had sparked anger about the potential commercialisation of a sacred place. (Photo: AFP)VATICAN CITY — Visitors to St Peter's Basilica will be able to follow mass in 60 languages and enjoy a coffee on a newly opened terrace as part of plans unveiled Monday by the Vatican. Currently access to the terrace of the basilica, the centre of global Catholicism located in Vatican City, is strictly limited. Opening up space on the terrace should help reduce crowds in the basilica "and foster greater contemplation inside", Gambetti said. Conducted with oil company Eni, it will allow real-time monitoring of even the tiniest movements in the building or its foundations.

Source: Bangkok Post February 17, 2026 05:09 UTC