New restoration brings fresh light to St. Peter's Basilica for Christmas Eve Mass

Pope Francis is celebrating the Vatican's traditional Christmas Eve midnight Mass in a newly restored St. Peter's Basilica. The restoration is part of preparations for the 2025 Jubilee Year, a significant event for the Catholic Church that symbolizes reconciliation and renewal. A Jubilee Year, 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 Baldachin, a canopy that sits atop the tomb of St. Peter.

"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 communications director. 

Also restored is the Chair of St. Peter, an important symbol of Papal authority. 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 nook and cranny from the comfort of their devices.

The restoration is not limited to St. Peter's. 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 in 2025.

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

Just beside it, at at 7 p.m. Rome time, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door, or Porta Santa, symbolizing the path to salvation, and entered to begin the traditional midnight Mass at St. Peter's.

"It's a very real special moment for all, for all Christianity," Fortunato said.

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