Rome has long been recognised as the seat of Christendom, whereas Jesus Christ the founder of the ministry was born in Bethlehem, Israel. The saying “Peter is the rock on which the Church will grow” is a reference to the words of Jesus Christ as told in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18). In this passage, Jesus addresses the apostle Peter and says:
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18, NIV)
This statement is central to the Catholic understanding of the role of St. Peter and his successors, the Popes, in the life of the Church.
The word “rock” in Greek: petra is symbolic. Jesus is saying that Peter will be the foundation on which the Church is built. This is often interpreted that Peter’s faith, leadership, and role as the first Pope form the solid foundation upon which the Christian community will cultivate and be sustained. According to Catholic tradition, St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s Apostles, traveled to Rome in the 1st century CE and became its first bishop. As the chief apostle, Peter is considered the first Pope, and he was martyred in Rome around 64 CE during the reign of Emperor Nero.
The Church regards St. Peter as the first in a long line of papal succession, and his position in Rome laid the foundation for the city to become the centre of Christianity, especially so as it grew to be the most important city in the Roman Empire. A significant turning point came in the early 4th century when Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity. In 313 CE, Constantine and his co-emperor Licinius decreed the Edict of Milan, legalising Christianity, allowing Christians to practice their faith without the fear of persecution. In 324 CE, Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) became the new capital of the Roman Empire, shifting away from Rome as its political centre.
Constantine commissioned the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica on the site believed to be the burial place of St. Peter. Constantine’s actions helped cement Rome’s importance in the Christian world, and his decision to found Christianity as the Roman Empire’s favoured religion ensured the city would remain central to the Church.
Vatican City: The heart of Christmas celebrations
In the Vatican City, Christmas is a profound spiritual celebration that unites millions of Christians around the world. With its stunning liturgies, sacred symbols like the nativity scene and Christmas tree, and the spiritual leadership of the Pope, the Vatican becomes a beacon of hope, peace, and faith for all devotees living near and far. The Vatican City offers a Christmas experience that captures the true sense of the holiday – the birth of Jesus Christ and the message of love and peace that it brings to the world. As the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is home to the Pope and a focal point for religious observances.
The Vatican City midnight mass on held on Christmas Eve is among the most foremost events in the calendar, it is held in the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, where the solemn liturgical service attracts scores of global pilgrims The mass includes beautiful hymns, prayers, and scripture readings that recount the birth of Jesus Christ. The Pope’s attendance at this Mass emphasizes the integral role of the papacy in the faith, and for many, the Midnight Mass is a pilgrimage to be had once in a lifetime. Subsequently the Pope delivers a special Christmas blessing called the Urbi et Orbi, meaning “to the city and the world,” offering prayers for peace, unity, and goodwill.
A highlight of Christmas in the Vatican City is the dramatic Nativity Scene set up in St. Peter’s Square. Every year, a life-sized nativity scene is erected, displaying the birth of Jesus Christ with carefully crafted statues representing the Holy Family, the shepherds, angels, and the Magi. The scene is illuminated at night, adding a tranquil and ethereal atmosphere in the heart of the square.
On Christmas Day, the Pope’s Angelus prayer is recited from the Apostolic Palace, overlooking St. Peter’s Square. This prayer honours the declaration of Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive the Son of God. The Pope’s message includes reflections on peace, charity, and the love of Christ, encouraging Christians to live a life of goodwill and duty of care to others.
Decorations around the city
The historic streets of Rome known for its grand buildings and ancient structures come alive with dazzling Christmas lights and decorations. Some of the city’s most famous piazzas, like Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, are ornamented with beautiful displays.
The via del Corso, one of Rome’s central shopping streets lined up with twinkling lights and festive window displays, make it an ideal place for a relaxed stroll or a spot of Christmas shopping. The decorations blend seamlessly with Rome’s antique architecture, making a delightful contrast between the old and new. Piazza del Popolo is one of the most renowned squares in Rome; its Christmas lights are part of the spectacular display that light up the entire area. In the square a beautifully lit Christmas tree takes centre stage typically placed facing the Santa Maria del Popolo church. The obelisk placed in the centre of the square and the encircling fountains are adorned with enchanting lighting, making it a popular congregation spot for visitors.
The streets contiguous to the piazza like via del Babuino and via di Ripetta, are bedecked with lights, adding a festive mood as visitors take in the historical sections of Rome.
Although not in the city centre of Rome, Gianicolo Hill offers stunning views of Rome, particularly during Christmas, from atop the hill the city’s Christmas lights glistens below offering panoramic views of churches and buildings lit up for the season from the Janiculum.
Among the four papal basilicas in Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore is celebrated for its link to Christmas and tradition has it that the basilica was built in the 5th century after a vision appeared of Virgin Mary to Pope Liberius, telling him to construct a church in her name on the location where snow had inexplicably fallen, which is a rare occurrence in Rome.
With the coming of Christmas, Santa Maria Maggiore is where you will encounter one of the most charming Nativity Scenes in Rome. This church houses the Holy Crib, a relic said to contain remains of the manger that laid baby Jesus. The basilica further hosts the festive Christmas Mass, and the Midnight Mass and church services right through the Christmas season. The intricate and beautiful mosaics adorn the sacred precincts adding a sense of grandeur to the atmosphere.
Important role
As the cathedral of Rome, San Giovanni in Laterano is the official seat of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome and has an important role to play in the city’s Christmas celebrations. The basilica is wonderfully bedecked for the holiday season and hosts Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass.
In addition to its important role in the Catholic Church, St. John Lateran is known for its magnificent architecture, particularly its Baroque interior and bronze doors, which are a significant part of Rome’s Christian heritage. The church is also a centre for spiritual reflection and prayer during Christmas.
St. Paul Outside the Walls is a significant church that joins in with the Christmas celebrations, especially due to its historical importance. This basilica is known to be the final resting place of St. Paul, and when Christmas dawns, beautiful prayers and liturgies become part of the ambience while the large nave of the church is where the beautifully made Nativity Scene takes place.
Located in the charming Trastevere district, Santa Cecilia is a medieval church that holds special significance during the Christmas season. The church is dedicated to St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and is known for its beautiful mosaics and relics. During Christmas, Santa Cecilia hosts special liturgies and musical performances, including Christmas Eve Mass and Midnight Mass. The church has an intimate atmosphere, combined with the tranquil echo of traditional Christmas hymns and Gregorian hymns, makes it a much loved spot for all those who visit the charming site.
Christmas in Rome, the Eternal City, is an enchanting experience that combines centuries of history, rich traditions, and the warmth of family and community. From the brilliance of St. Peter’s Square to the cosy corners of Trastevere, each aspect of the Eternal City lends its magic to Christmas. The sparkling lights, carols resounding through cobblestone streets, and the fragrance of seasonal treats—all produce a captivating atmosphere that remains with one long after the season has transpired.
