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

Pope Francis celebrates the Vatican’s traditional midnight Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica recently restored. The restoration is part of preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025, an important event of the Catholic Church that is a symbol of reconciliation and renewal. The Year of Jubilee, dating back to 1300, is a time of pilgrimage and reflection.

Despite its size, the church needed renovation. One of the most important restorations is this Bernini’s Baldachinan overhead canopy the tomb of St.

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

Also returned by the Chairman of St. Peter, an important symbol of the Pope’s authority. Father Fortunato said this seat has seen many popes, starting in 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.

Restoration is not limited to St. Other Roman sites, such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, are making similar efforts to clean up ahead of the expected 35 million visitors to Rome by 2025.

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

Right next to it, at 7pm Roman time, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door, or Porta Santa, symbolizing the way of salvation, and entered to begin Midnight Mass in St.

“It’s a really special time for all of us, for all of Christianity,” Fortunato said.

Responding to recent security concerns, including a The attack on the Christmas market in GermanyRome has increased security and surveillance throughout the city.