Share
1 of 6
Workmen dig underneath the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 1950, during part of a years-long effort to excavate tombs and chambers under the Vatican. Life.com takes a look back at the process of unearthing below the Vatican as part of a then-exclusive coverage of the event by Life Magazine in 1950.
To learn more about the history of the papacy, watch the new CNN Original Series, "Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History," Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Nat Farbman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
To learn more about the history of the papacy, watch the new CNN Original Series, "Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History," Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Nat Farbman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
The tomb of Pope Boniface VIII sits beneath the Vatican. Nat Farbman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
The sarcophagus of Pope Pius XI lies in renovated upper grottoes. Nat Farbman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Excavations continue below the Vatican. Nat Farbman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
The bust of a statue is seen during the excavating process. Nat Farbman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
The oldest burial chamber, which was found during the excavation, is seen. See more photos from the series. Nat Farbman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
