Some Catholic religious and missionaries pray and sing for peace in the St. Peter's Square - stock photo

Vatican, February 25 -- A group of Catholic religious and missionaries pray and sing for peace in the center of St. Peter's Square, surrounded by the majestic facade of the Basilica and by Bernini's colonnade. Characterized by giant columns and pilasters, the immense facade of St. Peter's (118 meters wide and 48 high), was conceived by the architect Carlo Maderno to complete Michelangelo's previous project and built between 1608 and 1614. The Basilica of St. Peter's, in the Vatican, is the center of the Catholic religion, one of the most visited places in the world and in Rome for its immense artistic and architectural treasures. In 1980 the historic center of Rome was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Wide angle image in high definition format.