3-028-686 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Ecclesiastical Council at Rome, 1870. 'The Illustration is from a sketch by our Special Artist at Rome, and represents a sitting of the Oecumenical Council in their Council Chamber, which is situated in the north transept of St. Peter's...our Engraving shows the disposition of the ecclesiastical dignitaries while in session. His Holiness, Pius IX., seated on a throne at the north end, presides over the assembly, having Cardinal Antonelli standing to his left, while attendant Bishops are grouped on the steps. Right and left of the Pope on the dais are rows of Cardinals and Patriarchs, above whom are two small galleries, one for the orchestra, the other for the few Roman Princes privileged to be present. The seats for the great body of the prelates are arranged on each side of the spacious chamber, the altar being at the south end. Official reporters take note of the proceedings from the table advantageously placed in front of the Bishops' benches nearest his Holiness; and Ambassadors look down upon the congregation of white-robed and mitred Bishops from the gallery on the right'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.