Assistants

(photo: Lothar Wolleh)

The opening ceremony of Second Vatican Council, October 11, 1962. On the throne, set on a specially prepared platform above the confession of St. Peter, Holy Father John XXIII accompanied by cardinal deacons: on the left Alfredo cardinal Ottaviani, on the right Alberto cardinal di Jorio. In front of the pope two bishops Assistant at the Papal Throne are kneeling, holding the candle, and here one can easily recognize Petrus Canisius van Lierde, and the book. In violets, with a cotta put on a rochet and withe pectoral cross, abp. Enrico Dante, the Master of Papal Ceremonies. On the far left Aspreno Colonna, one of the two then present, Prince Assistant to the Papal Throne, is standing.