\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \qj \f1 \fs24 \b \cf4 \ATXht1038 Keys of St Peter\cf0 \ATXht0 \par
\b0 The Metaphor and symbol of the key clearly indicates the autho
rity of the Head of the Apostolic College and his successors over the Church. Christian imagery often represents \b \cf4 \ATXht71906 Peter\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 with the keys in his hand. \b \cf4 \ATXht5 Michelangelo\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 also made use of this ico
nography element. However, the position of the \b \cf4 \ATXht70102 Apostle\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 Æs hands and arms in the Sistine fresco should be noted. The arms are outstretched and the hand is open in the gesture of offering. Peter at the last judgement is
returning the keys to Christ. The Church has by now ended its role as the visible presence in history. All authority is now in the hands of the Son of God made man.\par