George Matysek picks some of his favorite Christmas carols you may never have heard.

The human figures in the Nativity scene are made of rings of ceramic stacked on top of each other. They are cylindrical, not curvy like a natural human form. And the presence of an astronaut and a knight carries the whole thing to another level of untraditional.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s baldacchino or baldachin is one of the most noticeable features in the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The massive bronze structure was built to signify the importance of the main altar and the tomb of St. Peter, which is directly under the main altar.

Looking for some good Advent hymns and songs to use for meditation and reflection? Here are some favorites.

Although the Vatican knows Christmas may be very different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it already has chosen its stamps and the Nativity scene and tree that will stand in St. Peter’s Square.

The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums have launched an online subscription series of on-site interviews, live lectures and a Q&A “coffee hour” with experts to help supporters stay connected during the global pandemic.

After 20 years of restoration work and millions in funding from benefactors worldwide, the unveiling of the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs in Rome was supposed to be a grand, celebratory moment slated for this spring, in time for Holy Week and Easter.

In the run-up to next year’s 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, Pope Francis said he hoped people would read the Italian poet’s work, especially the “Divine Comedy,” which still resonates today.

An Iraqi archbishop who helped save hundreds of ancient manuscripts from being destroyed by Islamic State militants was among the nominees for the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize.

As this unusual school year gets underway, Boston College freshmen were reminded that they’ve already been through a lot and were urged — as college graduating seniors usually are — that they have to go out and change the world.