New restoration brings new light to St. Peter’s Basilica for Christmas Eve Mass

Pope Francis is celebrating the Vatican’s traditional Christmas Eve midnight mass in the newly restored St. Peter’s Basilica. The restoration is part of preparations for the Jubilee Year of 2025, a significant event for the Catholic Church that symbolizes reconciliation and renewal. A Jubilee Year, dating back to the year 1300, is a time of pilgrimage and reflection.

Despite its grandeur, the church needed restoration. One of the most significant restorations is that of Bernini’s canopya canopy that sits above the tomb of Saint Peter.

“I think before you have to imagine that it was very black. And now we can admire the gold,” said Father Enzo Fortunato, the Vatican’s communications director.

The Chair of Saint Peter, an important symbol of papal authority, was also restored. Father Fortunato said that this chair has witnessed many papacies, dating back to 875 AD

For those who cannot visit in person, the Vatican has used AI to create a digital replica of St. Peter’s Basilica. This allows viewers to explore every corner from the comfort of their devices.

The restoration is not limited to San Pedro. Other areas of Rome, such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, are undergoing similar cleaning efforts ahead of the expected 35 million visitors arriving in Rome in 2025.

In St. Peter’s, Michelangelo’s Pietà is now protected behind bulletproof glass.

Right next door, at 7 p.m. Rome time, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door, or Porta Santa, which symbolizes the path to salvation, and entered to begin the traditional midnight mass in San Pedro.

“It is a very special moment for everyone, for all of Christendom,” Fortunato said.

In response to recent security concerns, including a Attack on Christmas market in GermanyRome has increased security and surveillance throughout the city.