The Vatican Exhibit at the Florida International Museum

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The Vatican Exhibit at the Florida International Museum

The Vatican Exhibit at the Florida International Museum

An eighth century mosaic from the oratory of Pope John VII with the image of the apostle Peter, is part of the "Vatican Splendors From Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard" exhibit. The exhibit, which opened Feb. 9th at the Florida International Museum, includes some of the Catholic Church's most exquisite items.

The Mandylion of Edessa with the face of Jesus. The third to fifth century image on linen is considered one of the oldest known representations of Jesus present in Rome. The gaunt, bearded face staring from the cloth is among a rare class of artifacts deemed "not made by human hands." According to religious lore Jesus pressed a handkerchief to his face, leaving an indelible imprint of his likeness much like the Shroud of Turin.

Madonna del Sassoferrato, an oil on copper painting of the Virgin Mary by Giovanni Battista Salvi, has graced many holiday cards but has never been exhibited outside Rome.

"Daniel in the Lion's Den" The 16-inch-tall clay artwork still bears the thumbprints of its artist, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

A gold reliquary said to contain bone fragments of St. Peter. The exhibition commemorates the 500th anniversary of Saint Peter's Basilica, the founding of the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the establishment of the Papal Swiss Guard.

Robert Sumner views Pope Pius IX's Processional Cross. The exhibit will be on display in St. Petersburg through May 11th before heading to Cleveland and St. Paul, Minn. Museum admission prices range from $12 to $20.

The painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. To illustrate why Michelangelo complained the project was destroying his back and eyesight, an area recreates the scaffolding and tools he used to create his masterpiece.

Michelangelo's compass is among the personal items and tools of the reknowned artist.

A document signed by Michelangelo and addressed to the administrators of the Fabbrica of Saint Peter's .

A portrait of Christ with the "Crown of Thorns."

This missal stand, carved from a single piece of wood and the spine of a fish, once belonged to Fra Bartolomeo de las Heras, chaplain on Christopher Columbus's first voyages to the Americas.

A miter worn by Pope Pius VI .

A portrait of Pope Sixtus IV by Raffaele Capo. Displays trace the church from St. Peter, considered the first pope, to its most recent ones, John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

Pope John Paul II's pastoral staff.

This oil on copper depicting Jesus being lowered from the cross with Mary Magdalene at his feet is among 200 pieces of art and historical objects spanning 2,000 years in the exhibit. For more information or tickets, see the museum's Web site at www.floridamuseum.org

A bronze cast of the Hand of Pope John Paul II by Cecco Bonanotte (born 1942).

The Cape of Pope Pius IX, made of red silk, gold leaf, silver and gold thread and metal bosses.

The exhibit includes several uniforms worn by the Papal Swiss Guard.

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An eighth century mosaic from the oratory of Pope John VII with the image of the apostle Peter, is part of the "Vatican Splendors From Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard" exhibit. The exhibit, which opened Feb. 9th at the Florida International Museum, includes some of the Catholic Church's most exquisite items.

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