Vatican confirms controversial restaurant plan for St. Peter’s Basilica terrace

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has confirmed plans to expand a refreshment area into a restaurant on the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica, with a possible opening in 2026 to coincide with the basilica’s 400th anniversary.

On Thursday, Italian newspaper Il Messaggero revealed the existence of top‑secret works on the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica involving the construction of a bistro. Today, amid strong misgivings from priests and bishops about the appropriateness of treating the heart of Catholicism this way—right above the tomb of the first Pope—the Vatican confirmed the plans.

The Holy See said that work is under way to expand the existing refreshment point on the main terrace above St. Peter’s Basilica into a larger bistro-style facility, using former storage rooms once occupied by the Sampietrini, the workers responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the Basilica. The stated aim is to manage increased visitor numbers, and the Vatican will potentially inaugurate the project either by Easter 2026 or for the 400th anniversary of the Basilica’s consecration on November 18, 2026. ---More...

The Vatican says it is considering expanding the small coffee and drinks bar on the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica to better serve growing numbers of pilgrims, while denying reports of plans for a rooftop restaurant. Officials stressed any expansion would be modest, respectful… pic.twitter.com/0jVGiKPBDc

— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican)January 30, 2026

The Vatican says it is considering expanding the small coffee and drinks bar on the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica to better serve growing numbers of pilgrims, while denying reports of plans for a rooftop restaurant. Officials stressed any expansion would be modest, respectful of the basilica’s sacred character, and aimed at easing crowding and fostering a more contemplative atmosphere.