Pope Francis will celebrate The VaticanTraditional midnight mass on Christmas Eve in the recently restored St. Peter's Basilica. The restoration is taking place in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, a significant event for the Catholic Church that symbolizes reconciliation and restoration. The Jubilee Year, which begins in 1300, is a time of pilgrimage and reflection.
Despite its grandeur, the church required restoration. One of the most significant restorations is c Bernini's canopycanopy that sits on top the tomb of St. Peter.
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“Before, I think you have to imagine it was very black. And now we can admire the gold,” said Father Enzo Fortunato, director of communications for the Vatican.
St. Peter's pulpit, an important symbol of papal power, was also restored. Father Fortunato said that this pulpit has witnessed many papacies since 875 AD.
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For those unable to 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 without leaving their devices.
Restoration is not limited to St. Peter's Cathedral. Other districts of Romesuch as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are undergoing similar cleaning ahead of the expected 35 million visitors to Rome in 2025.
In St. Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo's “Pieta” is now protected by bulletproof glass. Next to him, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door, or Porta Santa, symbolizing the way to salvation.
“This is a really special moment for everyone, for all of Christianity,” Fortunato said.
The Pope will open the Holy Door at 19:00 Roman time and then lead Mass at midnight. In response to recent security concerns, including a Attack on a Christmas market in GermanyRome has stepped up security and surveillance across the city.
