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.