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In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV endorsed as official Church policy the view that the Colosseum was a sacred site where early Christians had been martyred. He forbade the use of the Colosseum as a quarry and consecrated the building to the Passion of Christ and installed Stations of the Cross, declaring it sanctified by the blood of the Christian martyrs who perished there. However there is no historical evidence to support Benedict's claim. The outline of the Imperial Box can be clearly seen above the cross. Photographer: Date: 25/11/09 08:51 Resolution: 2136 x 2848 DSCF7030.jpg