The Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul

This memorial recalls the dedication of the basilicas of the apostles Peter and Paul—one at the Vatican, the other on the Via Ostiense. It celebrates together two specific consecrations.

On November 18, 1626, Pope Urban VIII consecrated the new basilica of Saint Peter, whose construction had begun in the early 1500s, following the designs of Bramante and other Renaissance artists. It replaced the ancient Constantinian basilica, which had been completely demolished.

Later, on December 10, 1854, Pope Pius IX consecrated the Constantinian basilica of Saint Paul, after it had been rebuilt and restored from the devastating fire of 1823.