And then there was light — and it was powered by the sun. The
Vatican on Wednesday activated a new solar energy system and announced
an ambitious plan that could one day make it an alternative energy
exporter.

The massive roof of the “Nervi Hall” where popes hold general
audiences and concerts are performed, has been covered with 2,400
photovoltaic panels to provide energy for lighting, heat and air
conditioning.

After weeks of tests, the system went on line at full throttle hours
before Pope Benedict held what officials called the “first ecological
general audience in the Vatican.” (Reuters)