Despite rumors, there's no plan for a restaurant on the roof of St. Peter's -- just an expansion of the visitable area and of existing modest refreshments.Lenten campaign 2026
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St. Peter's Basilica in Rome will not have a “bistro” on its roof. Rather, its current “simple and appropriate” refreshment area is set to be expanded. This was clarified by the Petrine basilica in a statement released on January 29, 2026, following articles published in the Italian press and relayed in media outlets in other countries.
The pope's basilica is responding to rumors about the “supposed opening of a bistro” on its terrace, which circulated on Thursday and the following days. The communications department acknowledges that a “project to expand the terrace area accessible to pilgrims is under consideration.”
Visitors to the world's largest basilica can climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome and stop at the intermediate level of the terrace.
A modest, respectful expansion
On this terrace, the spokesperson explains, “the extension of the small existing refreshment area” is being studied. However, they argue that it will be “understated and appropriate to the context, respectful of the sacredness of the place and responsive to the needs of pilgrims.”
The Vatican Basilica emphasizes that the aim of this project is to cope with the increase in visitor numbers in the era of mass tourism, “to ease the concentration of visitors in the basilica and to promote a climate of greater contemplation.”
In recent years, during the high season, the building has recorded between 50,000 and 70,000 visitors per day, according to official figures. In 2025, for the Jubilee celebrated in Rome, 20 million visitors crossed its threshold.
While the next jubilee is some seven years in the future -- in 2033 for the 2,000th anniversary of the Death and Resurrection of Christ -- the Eternal City is always one of the world's largest tourist attractions.
A parish priest for the world
In 2021, Father Agnello Stoia was appointed parish priest of St. Peter's Basilica, a little-known role established in the 16th century.
The post was more clearly defined by John Paul II, who in 1991 created the Vicariate of the Vatican — now headed by Franciscan Cardinal Mauro Gambetti — comprising two parishes.
The parish of St. Anne has jurisdiction over the entire Vatican City, with the exception of the area of St. Peter's Basilica, which is established as a parish in its own right.
A unique church
“Technically, I have no parishioners, since my parish has no territory outside the basilica and St. Peter's Square,” Father Stoia explains.
But the Franciscan pastor considers everyone who enters St. Peter's as his flock.
“Thousands of people come every day, and I welcome everyone,” he tells I.MEDIA, smiling broadly between phone calls on his cell phone, which is ringing off the hook.
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