The Pope’s liturgical celebrations for the Christmas season

By Vatican News

The Holy See Press Office has released the Calendar of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations for the Christmas Season.

The celebrations begin on Christmas Eve, 24 December, with the Holy Mass presided over by the Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:30 pm local time.

Urbi et Orbi

On Christmas day, 25 December, Pope Francis will give the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at 12:00 noon.

On 31 December, the Holy Father is scheduled to preside at the First Vespers and Te Deum in thanksgiving for the past year in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5:00 pm.

January celebrations

Meanwhile, on 1 January 2023, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, in the Vatican Basilica at 10:00 am.

Likewise, on 6 January, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Holy Mass will be celebrated again in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10:00 am.

Finally, on 8 January, the Holy Father will preside over the celebration of Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord at 9:30 am in the Sistine Chapel. He will also baptize some children at that Mass.