Vatican Press Office publishes details of Pope Francis’ commitments to Christmas and New Year celebrations at the Vatican.
By the editor of Vatican News
The current precautionary measures against Covid-19 have defined the hours and modalities of social life during the pandemic. Pope Francis’ Christmas and New Year calendar is no exception. For example, Christmas Eve Mass has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Rome time, and in-person attendance at all Vatican Christmas and New Year ceremonies will be very limited.
A statement released Thursday by the Vatican Press Office revealed that the ceremonies for the Christmas festivities begin with Christmas Eve Mass on December 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica. It will be followed by the “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing on Christmas Day at noon, while on Thursday December 31, Pope Francis will celebrate the first Vespers and the Te Deum in thanksgiving for the past year at 5 pm in the basilica. Saint Pierre.
On Friday January 1, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and of the 54th World Day of Peace, the Pope will preside over Mass in Saint-Pierre at 10 a.m. Finally, during the Solemnity of the Epiphany, Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica. All times shown refer to local time in Rome.
Noting compliance with protective measures against Covid-19, the press release specifies that only a limited number of participants will be present, and that they will be screened using the methods used in recent months to curb the spread of the virus. Of course, all the celebrations will be broadcast live on media and streamed live on social media platforms.
Before the holiday appointments, the Pope will preside over Mass for the 125th anniversary of the coronation of Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, December 12. On the Pope’s mandate, the Apostolic Penitentiary extended the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence to the faithful from all over the world who participate in this Mass from home.
