1.
GV INTERIOR: St.Peter's church, Vatican City.
0.05

2.
SV INTERIOR: onlookers PAN TO big bronze doors with intricate sculptures depicting various religious scenes.
0.13

3.
CU PAN: sculptures showing bodies hanging from pole and line of popes.
0.22

4.
SV: men open doors for polishing.
0.30

5.
SV: onlookers including priests.
0.35

6.
SV: man polishing door
0.43

7.
CU: portrait of Pope Paul VI on door.
0.50

8.
CU PAN: other sculptures on door.
0.54

9.
SV: men closing door
1.01

10.
SV: onlookers PAN TO doors
1.09



Initials RH/0037



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, already adorned by some beautiful works of art, is to be enhanced by yet another. This time it's a bronze door sculpted by Italian artist, Luciano Minguzzi, as a gift to Pope Paul on his 80th birthday.

SYNOPSIS: The door has been hung at the entrance to St. Peter's Basilica in readiness for the Pope's birthday celebrations next week (27 September) and already it has become a big tourist attraction. it took the artist seven years to complete, and during that time he worked along, unaided by assistants who would normally be involved in such a big project.

The door is divided into two parts, representing good and evil. The twelve panels depict various aspects of religious history, such as the good thief hanging from the cross, Abel and Cain, Tobias wrestling with an angel, and various Saints. And in one panel there is a profile of Pope Paul.

Minguzzi says he has tried to work modern themes in with the historical aspects. The panel which depicts a negro bishop giving communion to a German soldier, represents the Ecumenical spirit of the Vatican Council, the eradication of bigotry, and the exaltation of universal brotherhood.

The door is more than seven metres (23 feet) high, and weigh 11,000 kilos...a solid tribute for an important birthday.