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 2025 anniversary year, a significant event for the Catholic Church that symbolizes reconciliation and renewal. An anniversary year, which dates back to 1300, is a time of pilgrimage and reflection.

Despite its size, the church needed to be restored. One of the most important restorations is by Bernini’s canopya canopy that sits above the grave of Saint Peter.

“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.

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

For those who can’t visit in person, the Vatican has used AI 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 Basilica. Other areas of Rome, such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, are undergoing similar cleanups ahead of the expected 35 million visitors who will come to Rome in 2025.

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

Right next door, at 7 p.m. Roman time, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door, or Porta Santa, which symbolizes the path to salvation, and entered to begin the tradition Midnight mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

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

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