Historic drone show in Vatican projects image of Pope Francis

For the first time in history, a light show was staged above St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Photo: National Geographic

On the evening of September 13, 2025, the Vatican hosted a drone show dedicated to the Jubilee Year of the Roman Catholic Church. According to National Geographic, a drone image of the late Pope Francis was created above St. Peter’s Basilica.

“The drone show – the biggest in Europe – was orchestrated by Kimbal Musk’s Nova Sky Stories with permission from The Holy See, which broke with centuries of tradition to allow the light display to accompany Grace for the World, the first concert ever held in St. Peter’s Square, directed by American singer Pharrell Williams and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli,” the report says.

During the concert, 3,000 drones swarmed into place above the basilica to recreate Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam as well as a drone portrait of the late pontiff.

The evening – which was marked by inspirational speeches on peace and unity from cardinals and clerics, from activists like Graça Machel Mandela, and from Williams – ended with a giant drone rendition of the word ‘JOY’ filling the skies.

As the UOJ reported earlier, a Mass for LGBT Catholics was recently celebrated in Rome.

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