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Vatican worshippers showered with falling chunks of plaster from ceiling of St Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican was forced to seal off part of the basilica after chunks of plaster rained down on tourists

THE Vatican sealed off part of St Peter's Basilica after chunks of plaster rained down on worshippers at the height of the Easter holiday season.

No one was injured by the falling plaster, which fell near Michelangelo's famed Pieta statue, near the main entrance.

 The Vatican sealed off part of St Peter's Basilica, pictured, after chunks of plaster rained down on tourists
EPA
The Vatican sealed off part of St Peter's Basilica, pictured, after chunks of plaster rained down on tourists

Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said repairmen were brought into to secure the site and the basilica remained open for business.

Holy Week sees floods of pilgrims and tourists visiting St Peter's, particularly to see Pope Francis.

The ceremonies are capped by Easter Sunday celebrations outside in St Peter's Square.

More than five million tourists visit the Vatican Museums alone every year, with Christmas and Easter periods typically seeing a huge surge in visitors.

 Workers were brought in to repair the famous basilica
AFP or licensors
Workers were brought in to repair the famous basilica
A topless woman tried to steal a statue of the baby Jesus at the Vatican moments before Pope Francis delivered his Christmas message
 More than five million tourists visit the Vatican Museums alone every year. Pictured is Pope Francis during a religious ritual
Reuters
More than five million tourists visit the Vatican Museums alone every year. Pictured is Pope Francis during a religious ritual

Pope Francis recently revealed he will have cataracts surgery next year.

He revealed the news speaking to prisoners at Rome's Regina Coeli prison after he performed the Holy Thursday ritual of washing the feet of 12 people.

Francis, who frequently tells inmates they need to keep hope alive, told them that they must clear their eyes every day so they can see and spread hope.

 Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the basilica remained open for business
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said the basilica remained open for business

He said cataracts often make it difficult to see, adding: "At my age, for example, cataracts come and you don't see reality well. Next year I have to have an operation."

He said the same thing happens with life, when disillusionment clouds the soul.

Francis urged the inmates to do a daily cleansing of their view on life a "cataract surgery for the soul" so they can keep having hope.

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