While most of us enjoy free time over Christmas, the pope will be hard at work to meet a tight schedule. Here’s how the pope traditionally spends Christmas:
Midnight Mass
The Centrepoint of the Vatican’s Christmas celebrations is the Midnight Mass, held on Christmas Eve in St Peter’s basilica in the Vatican. The pope usually presides over the Mass, delivering a homily that focuses on the significance of Christ’s birth and the Gospel message of hope and love.
Some 7000 people, including dignitaries and pilgrims fortunate enough to have secured a ticket, attend the Mass. Many thousands more follow it outside in St Peter’s Square on monitors, and millions more around the world, including in South Africa, watch the Mass on TV and the Internet.
‘Urbi et orbi’ Blessing
On Christmas Day, the pope gives his traditional blessing “urbi et orbi” from the central balcony of St Peter’s basilica to the city of Rome (urbi) and the world (orbi). This blessing includes a message of peace and goodwill and is an important part of the Vatican’s Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Messages
The pope delivers various Christmas messages and addresses during Advent and the Christmas season. These messages may include reflections on the meaning of Christmas, calls for peace and reconciliation, and messages of solidarity with those on the margins.
Especially important is the New Year’s message, in which Pope Francis often tackles current social themes, such as gender-based violence, war or injustice. Every year the pope celebrates a New Year’s Day Mass at the Vatican.
Vatican Decorations
Every year, a large Christmas tree and a Nativity scene, often featuring life-sized figurines, are set up in St Peter’s Square, near the obelisk. The pope usually blesses the Nativity scene at Christmas.
Charitable Activities
The pope often highlights the importance of charitable activities during the Christmas season. He leads by example by visiting hospitals, prisons, or other institutions to spend time with those in need of compassion.
Private Celebrations
In addition to his public duties, the pope also celebrates Christmas in a more private and personal manner. Like many people, he may exchange gifts with close associates and celebrate with a festive meal.
In 2022 on Christmas Day, Pope Francis phoned a man in the Italian city of Brindisi whose wife had died a couple of days earlier during the birth of twins. The Holy Father frequently phones people who have suffered tragedies.
At the centre of all the pope does at Christmas is the celebration of the Saviour’s birth in Bethlehem, which gives us the messages of love, peace, charity, and our hope of redemption.
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