Vatican Unveils Comprehensive 400th Anniversary Program to Open New Sections of St. Peter’s Basilica and Introduce Advanced SmartPass System in Rome

As St. Peter’s Basilica approaches its 400th anniversary, the Vatican is unveiling a wide-ranging program of spiritual, cultural, and technological initiatives.

The aim is to improve visitor experiences, protect the basilica’s sacred atmosphere, and open areas that have never been accessible to the public before.

Consecrated on November 18, 1626, by Pope Urban VIII, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most iconic and visited religious sites in the world.

Vatican officials hope the anniversary program will ease overcrowding while providing pilgrims and tourists with a more profound connection to the basilica’s history and spiritual significance.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, explained, “We want visitors to experience the basilica not just as tourists but as pilgrims.

By opening new spaces and offering themed itineraries, people can connect more deeply with St. Peter’s life and legacy.”

New Spaces and Exhibitions Await Visitors

One of the most striking updates is the full opening of the basilica’s terrace.

Until now, only about a third of this panoramic space was accessible to visitors.

The expanded terrace will feature a permanent exhibition showcasing the history, construction, and ongoing maintenance of the basilica.

The Vatican also plans to relocate and enlarge the current restoration area on the terrace, doubling its size to around 100 square meters.

Managed by the Fabric of St. Peter, this enlarged area will allow restoration work to be observed by visitors, blending education with transparency.

Looking further ahead, the Vatican intends to open the grand galleries of the Gregorian and Clementine domes.

These spaces will include educational programs specifically designed for children and young people, providing a new perspective on the basilica’s architectural and spiritual significance.

SmartPass and Digital Innovations to Manage Crowds

To better manage the millions of visitors who flock to St. Peter’s every year, the Vatican is introducing a new digital access system called SmartPass.

Integrated into the basilica’s official website, SmartPass will streamline entry and monitor visitor presence in real time.

A network of sensors will enhance security and crowd control, creating a calmer environment for prayer and reflection.

Cardinal Gambetti described this combination of technology and tradition as a new “ecosystem” for St. Peter’s, designed to maintain its sacred character while welcoming millions of pilgrims and tourists each year.

More Than a Celebration: A Spiritual Renewal

The 400th anniversary is not being treated solely as a historical milestone.

Cardinal Gambetti emphasized that it is also an opportunity to renew the basilica’s spiritual meaning.

Built over the remains of the original Constantinian basilica, the current church represents the living memory of Christian faith, anchored in St. Peter’s profession of faith.

He described it as “a door open to all who seek God.”

The anniversary program also benefits from the support of the Italian energy company Eni, which is collaborating on conservation and enhancement projects linked to the celebrations.

Events Marking the 400th Anniversary

The anniversary events will begin on February 20 with the inauguration of a new permanent Stations of the Cross, created by Swiss artist Manuel Durr, who won an international competition held in 2023.

On Saturday afternoons, visitors will be able to attend brief 30-minute “spiritual elevations,” combining prayer with polyphonic chant for quiet reflection.

Three major lectures are scheduled for March 24, May 26, and October 13, exploring the basilica’s dedication from historical, theological, and pastoral perspectives.

Father Roberto Pasolini, preacher of the Papal Household, will offer spiritual meditations on St. Peter in light of the Gospel.

Additional activities include the “Quo Vadis” urban itinerary, retracing the footsteps of Saints Peter and Paul through Rome, and a theatrical production, “Pietro e Paolo a Roma,” timed with the June 29 feast of the apostles.

The celebrations will culminate on November 18 with a solemn Mass led by Pope Leo XIV, marking the exact 400th anniversary of the basilica’s consecration.

Eni’s Restoration Work: Looking Beyond the Surface

Eni executives highlighted the scope and complexity of their restoration work.

Claudio Granata explained that the project followed an 18-month study and planning period, building on Eni’s previous restoration of the basilica façade in 1999, which was the first deep cleaning since 1612.

This time, the restoration effort spans approximately 80,000 square meters, covering both interior and exterior areas.

The work involves visible elements such as façades, columns, and roofs, as well as hidden structures including the foundations.

Using advanced methods such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, and geophysical surveys, the team created a digital model that integrates architectural design, subsurface geology, and real-time monitoring.

Annalisa Muccioli, Eni’s research and development director, described the model as a dynamic tool to support future conservation.

The project, she explained, involved 4,500 work hours across day and night shifts and incorporated extensive historical research, technical documentation, and advanced techniques designed to observe without altering the basilica’s structure.

What’s Next?

Visitors can expect a phased opening of terraces and dome galleries throughout 2026, alongside educational initiatives for schools and youth groups.

The SmartPass system will expand gradually, allowing pilgrims to experience the basilica with less stress and greater access to hidden areas.

Future collaborations between the Vatican and conservation partners like Eni will ensure that St. Peter’s continues to thrive as both a spiritual center and a global heritage site, balancing centuries-old tradition with modern technology.

Summary

St. Peter’s Basilica is entering its 400th year with sweeping updates designed to enhance visitor experiences and deepen spiritual engagement.

The full terrace and new exhibitions will reveal previously unseen spaces, while the SmartPass digital system and sensor network will improve crowd control and security.

Educational programs, lectures, prayer sessions, and theatrical performances will mark the anniversary year.

Eni’s restoration project has created a comprehensive digital model to monitor and conserve the basilica for years to come.

The celebrations will conclude with a solemn Mass on November 18, 2026, led by Pope Leo XIV, honoring four centuries of history, art, and faith at the heart of Christianity.