By Daniel Ibañez
Rome Newsroom, Apr 18, 2025 / 15:10 pm
Every year, countless pilgrims purposefully cross the Tiber River via Rome’s Ponte Sant’Angelo, where statues lining the bridge tell the story of Christ’s passion through sacred symbols they solemnly hold.
In 1535, Pope Clement VII ordered the placement of statues of Sts. Peter and Paul, the patrons of Rome, at the entrance of the bridge. However, it wasn’t until 1669 that Pope Clement IX commissioned a new balustrade designed by the renowned Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Ten angels, each carrying an element of the Passion, were placed on top of this structure, sculpted by Bernini’s students under his meticulous direction.
Today, on Good Friday, the Catholic Church commemorates the crucifixion of the Lord. The bridge has recently undergone extensive restoration, and this jubilee Holy Week reveals its newly refreshed marble.
The iconic Ponte Sant’Angelo, connecting the “Ponte” district with the Borgo and the castle that once served as a papal residence, a fortress in times of war, and a prison for criminals, was reopened to pedestrians in January to mark the beginning of the Jubilee of Hope and the inauguration of the new Piazza Pia, which now links Via della Conciliazione directly to Vatican City.
The angels of Ponte Sant’Angelo were created to act as spiritual guides for pilgrims on their journey towards St. Peter’s Basilica.
As you stroll across the historic Ponte Sant’Angelo in Rome, your eyes are drawn to the stunning angel statues that line the bridge, each telling a powerful story of Christ’s passion and sacrifice.
The first angel you encounter holds a column, symbolizing Christ’s scourging. The inscription at its base, “Tronus meus in columna” (“My throne is upon a column”), serves as a poignant reminder of Christ’s suffering. This masterpiece is attributed to the talented Antonio Raggi.
Opposite stands another angel, bearing whips, with the inscription “In flagella paratus sum” (“I am ready for the scourging”). This sculpture, created by Lazzaro Morelli, captures the intensity of Christ’s passion in a dramatic way.
Continuing along the bridge, you’ll come across an angel holding the Veil of Veronica, the cloth that bore the imprint of Christ’s face. Created by Cosimo Fancelli, this sculpture is a moving representation of Christ’s sacrifice, with the inscription “Respice faciem Christi tui” (Look upon the face of your Christ).
Notably, the pedestal of this angel statue bears a visible dent from a cannonball impact during the defense of the Vatican in 1870, adding a layer of history and resilience to the sculpture.
On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find an angel holding the crown of thorns that was placed on Christ’s head, a piece sculpted by Paolo Naldini and completed by the legendary Bernini. This exquisite sculpture now resides in the Roman church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, a true testament to the enduring beauty and significance of these angelic masterpieces.
