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More than two dozen popes have celebrated Mass beneath the towering canopy of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but only a select few have experienced the view from its peak. Since February, the baldachin, a 17th-century bronze structure, has been surrounded by scaffolding for restoration work.
This project is funded by the U.S.-based Knights of Columbus and marks the first professional restoration since 1758. The structure will be unveiled on October 27 during a Mass led by Pope Francis at the Synod of Bishops' close.
Journalists had an opportunity to preview the restoration on October 8. They observed layers of gold that had long been obscured by dust and grime over centuries. Father Enzo Fortunato highlighted that this event coincides with the anniversary of St. John Paul II's World Day of Prayer for Peace, linking it to both beauty and peace.
Final touches are being made to Bernini's design as well as to the sculpture above the Altar of the Chair, which was temporarily removed during restoration.
The head engineer of Fabbrica di San Pietro, Alberto Capitanucci, noted that condensation causes dust accumulation on sculptures when temperatures drop in winter. This renovation involved cleaning wastewater through tubes from scaffolding above the altar into large ground containers.
Restoration workers discovered remnants like an old shoe sole and a grocery list dating back over 250 years inside receptacles atop the baldachin. Engravings left by past workers were also found, including messages from individuals who climbed it before.
The restored structure will soon be visible without scaffolding obstructing its view. Its golden details are intended to reflect light entering from above domes as originally envisioned by Bernini.
Capitanucci explained that gold was used not just for power display but functionally to enhance light reflection within darker areas around wood and bronze elements of this significant piece within St Peter’s Basilica: "Light always has a positive meaning; there is no darkness in heaven."
