Pope Francis will celebrate VaticanTraditional midnight mass on Christmas Eve in the newly renovated basilica of St. Petra. The renovation is part of the preparations for the jubilee year 2025, a significant event for the Catholic Church that symbolizes reconciliation and renewal. The Jubilee Year, which dates back to 1300, is a time for pilgrimage and reflection.

Despite its magnificence, the church needed renovation. One of the most significant renovations is from Bernini’s canopycanopy located on top Saint Peter’s grave.

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

The Chair of St. Peter, an important symbol of papal authority, was also restored. Father Fortunato said that this see has witnessed many papacies, since 875.

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 renovation is not limited only to the church of St. Other areas Romelike the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, are undergoing similar cleaning efforts ahead of the expected 35 million visitors who will come to Rome in 2025.

In St. Peter’s Church, Michelangelo’s Pietà is now protected behind bulletproof glass. Right next to them, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door or Porta Santa, which symbolizes the way of 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 preside midnight mass. In response to recent security issues, including a Attack on a Christmas market in GermanyRome has stepped up security and surveillance across the city.