The sedia gestatoria was designed with great thought and included a built-in step for persons to kneel in obeisance. Two long pieces of wood were inserted, one on either side, for the designated sediari men to carry it in balance and unison. The rich crimson velvet and golden filigree tool-work make for a regal appearance.
Of course it had a liturgical role as well. Always elegant in appearance, it accoutred the papal liturgies with noticeable and impressive elegance. At such liturgies all who gather should be especially rapt in God through the contemplation of celestial things. When people visit the Vatican to worship with the pope their minds should be so raised to God, transfixed and enraptured and aided by the beauty and solemnity of the rites and their trappings.
Below are images of two other similar versions that were also used:
God willing, one day soon this treasure of inestimable value will be returned to (a) show reverence for the office of pope and (b) to contribute to the noble "mien" of the occasion, indicating solemnity and greatness, inspiring visitors with a sense of awe for the papacy and the office of universal shepherd (c) and for all to have a better chance to see the pope up close as he passes by, borne aloft above the crowds. In the following images can be seen the last two popes who made use of the sedia gestatoria.
In 1978, John Paul II renounced the use of the sedia, although it was quickly reinstated by him after complaints were raised that people could not see the pope. On the other hand, the sedia was shortly after brushed aside by the robust 58-year-old newly elected John Paul II who preferred to mix with the crowds, even though this inhibited most from seeing him as he passed by.
The sedia gestatoria was born from the wisdom of past ages and will no doubt make a return in God's good timing. Let us pray for a full restoration. The sight leaves visitors rapt in their own heritage, providing a luminous spectacle, where all visitors are struck with wonder at this beautiful site, adorned with blazing light. Omnis honor et gloria.
The golden plaque on the back of the throne reads:
PIE IX
PONTIFEX MAXIME
HANC TIBI SEDEM
CLERUS ORDO ET POPULUS NEAPOLITANUS
EXSTRUXIT
UT GENTIBUS TECUM
CATHOLICA RELIGIONE DEVINCTIS
FAUSTA OMNIA A DEO
DEI VICE FENGENS
SOLEMNI RITU
PRECERIS
UBI PRIMUM PACIS DIES
ECCLESIAE ILLUXERIT
XVI KAL QUINTIL A MDCCCLXXI
QUO DIE PETRI ANNOS IN ROMANO PONTIFICATU
LAUS AEQUAS
