Papal Chair in Crypt

The chair for the Holy Father and his Deacons and the stools for the Masters of Ceremonies are in place in the Crypt Church of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception are in place.

The Holy Father Benedict XVI will pray Vespers and meet with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in the crypt church Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Here is a close-up shot of His Holiness' coat of arms:

And just for kicks, I decided to take a picture of what the Holy Father will see (if he leans in his chair to the right):

and what Msgr. Guido Marini will see from his stool:

All things considered, the chair isn't too bad. Certainly it could be more grand, but it could also be much worse. I like the contrast between the white fabric and the dark wood. The darker wood also seems to fit better with the crypt chapel than a lighter wood.