Vatican publishes schedule of papal Christmas liturgies November 28, 2023By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, World News VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As Vatican workers continued to decorate the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square and to erect a platform for the Nativity scene, the office of papal liturgical ceremonies published the list of holiday Masses and prayer services Pope Francis would celebrate. The Vatican already had announced Pope Francis will make his traditional late afternoon visit to the Spanish Steps in the center of Rome Dec. 8 to pay tribute to the Immaculate Conception at a Marian statue. For the Dec. 12 feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, he is scheduled to preside over an evening Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Christmas liturgies announced Nov. 28 include: — Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m., the pope will celebrate the Mass of the Nativity of the Lord in St. Peter’s Basilica. While the Mass is commonly referred to as “midnight Mass,” the Vatican celebration has been earlier for more than a decade. — Dec. 25 at noon, Pope Francis gives his message and blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. — Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope presides over evening prayer and the chanting of the “Te Deum” in thanksgiving to God for the year that is ending. — Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. in the basilica, the pope celebrates Mass for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day. — Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s, Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the feast of the Epiphany. — Jan. 7 at 9:30 a.m. in the Sistine Chapel, the pope presides over a Mass for the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and baptizes several infants. Read More Vatican News Catholic aid organizations remain ‘united in hope’ for Ukraine as war rages on The Church must speak clearly, decisively against all evil, pope says Trump renews attacks on Pope Leo over Iran war, accuses him of endangering Catholics Lord of the Dance meets Shepherd of the Flock: Michael Flatley greets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican Pope Leo XIV meets with Catholic Charities USA leadership, urges mission of compassion Augustinian charisms of truth, unity, love revealed in Pope Leo’s pastoral style, say panelists Copyright © 2023 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
