Pope marks 500th anniversary of building of Basilica

Pope Benedict XVI today marked the 500th anniversary of the laying of the first stone of the current St. Peter’s Basilica, saying he hoped it would awaken Catholics’ desire to be “living cornerstones” of the church’s growth.

Benedict made the remarks after delivering the traditional Regina Coeli blessing the day after Easter from his window at the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo south of Rome.