New restoration brings fresh light to St. Peter’s Basilica for Christmas Eve mass

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

Despite its grandeur, the church needed restoration. One of the most significant restorations is of Bernini’s Canopya canopy that sits on top Peter’s tomb.

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

St. Peter’s chair, an important symbol of papal authority, has also been restored. Father Fortunato said this chair has witnessed many papacies dating back to 875 AD.

For those unable to visit in person, the Vatican has used artificial intelligence to create a digital replica of St. Peter’s Basilica. This allows viewers to explore every nook and cranny from the comfort of their devices.

The restoration is not limited to St. Peter’s Church. Other areas of Rome, such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, are undergoing similar clean-up efforts ahead of the expected 35 million visitors who will come to Rome by 2025.

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

Right next door, at 7:00 p.m. Rome time, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door, or Porta Santa, symbolizing the way to salvation, and entered to begin the traditional midnight mass at Saint Peter’s Church.

“It’s a very special moment for everyone, for all of Christianity,” Fortunato said.

In response to recent security issues, including a Christmas market attack in GermanyRome has increased security and surveillance across the city.