For significant diplomatic moments – such as the annual address of the Holy Father to the diplomatic corps – the grand Sala Regia in the Apostolic Palace is used; other rooms in the palace are used for lesser events. They are not held, for example, in a sacred space, like the Sistine Chapel or St Peter’s.
But this month’s celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Israel were held in house of prayer. Not one of the Roman basilicas, but the Great Synagogue of Rome.
