One of the NY Worlds fair's most popular exhibits was the Vatican Pavilion, where Michelangelo's Pietà was displayed and brought in from St Peter's Basilica with the permission of Pope John XXIII.

Kim Ann There was no Pope Paul VII. It was Pope Paul VI who followed Pope John XXIII. The arrangements for the loan were made by John XXIII. The story of the Pieta's coming to America began in the fall of 1962, when His Eminence Francis Cardinal Spellman asked Pope John XXIII to permit Michelangelo's magnificent sculpture to be placed on exhibit in the proposed Vatican Pavilion at the New York World's Fair. Pope John XXIII agreed to the request and added that he would also loan, for the same purpose, as a gesture of appreciation for all America had done for the rest of the world, the ancient statue of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Pope Paul VI confirmed the actions of his predecessor. On the night of April 2, 1964, the Pieta, carefully packed to withstand the rigors of a long land and sea voyage, left the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City, for the first time since Michelangelo placed it there.

William Laughlin, thank you for the history of the agreement that allowed so many to see a historic Michelangelo sculpture in person! I saw it as a young girl in NY at the world's fair, then again as an adult back in its original place in Rome. Breathtaking both times!

I saw it there.

I didn't get to see it in New York, but I was very lucky to spend a lot of time with it in Italy. Our group had tickets to Pope Paul's Wednesday audience, but for some reason when we got to St. Peter's, our seats had been given to another group. We were left to wander the side aisle during the audience. I went back to the niche where it is displayed and a good half hour taking in all the details. This was before that crazy vandal took a hammer to it, so there was no barrier between me and the sculpture. It was very soothing.

My Theology professor became the administrator of that exhibit. We were happy as his replacement was a really good professor.

I saw that exhibit when I was in my early 20's. It is to this day my most vivid memory of the World's Fair.

Reminded me of the 17 ft tall, 5.5 ton replica of David I once saw at Forest Lawn cemetery. Made from Carrara marble from the same mine as the original, it toppled on its own due to stress fractures in the material. As a kid I was in awe of the seemingly impossible workmanship.

I saw it in NY, but I actually felt it at the Vatican in the '60's.

Johnny Rock, The explanation says that the copy first sent is now on display in America. The original was sent following and actually appeared at the fair. Thank you, Christine, James's wife

It was also displayed at the Met, and I saw it both places. It is excrutiatingly lovely with a silvery glow. Needs to be seen.

I saw it there, and later saw it at the Vatican.

Saw it in Rome & NYC. Amazing sculpture!

Saw this in Rome. Beautiful!

I saw this when I went to the NY world's fair.

recordpete, He rose from the dead too.

I remember seeing this with my parents when I was about 12. So beautiful.