Vatican City, Italy (Italian Republic)
ST PETER'S BASILICA SHINES DAYS PRIOR TO FINAL CHRISTMAS OF 20TH CENTURY.
St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, shines with a new illumination system just days before the final Christmas of the 20th century late December 21. Pope John Paul II will launch the Holy Year in a solemn ceremony on Christmas Eve, December 24th by opening the Holy Door. Some 27 million pilgrims are expected in Rome for the special Jubilee 2000 year.
PH