While the Basilica was being reconstructed, excavations in the area of the confessional were also undertaken, in January 1838. However, by the explicit prohibition of Pope Gregory XVI, no one was allowed to examine the tomb of the apostle in depth.
Mientras se reconstruía la Basílica, también se llevaron a cabo en enero de 1838 excavaciones en el área de la confesión; sin embargo no se pudo examinar a fondo la tumba del apóstol, por expresa prohibición del papa Gregorio XVI.