The Pope started off the second week of December by meeting with a government official of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Dragan Covic, in the Vatican. ;
On Monday afternoon, he also met with employees of TV2000, a Catholic television station led by Italy's Episcopal Conference. ;
Wednesday, December 17th will be a special day for the Pope. In addition to the weekly general audience, the Pope will also celebrate his 78th birthday. It will be his second birthday as Pontiff. Last year, he celebrated it with volunteers and children from the Vatican's Santa Marta pediatric hospital. ;
On Friday, he is scheduled to attend a Mass with athletes from Italy's Olympic Committee. It will be led by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi. The group will then have a brief audience with the Pope.
Also on Friday, the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree will take place. The Nativity Scene will also be unveiled. ;
On Sunday, as usual, the Pope will lead the Angelus prayer from his studio window, overlooking St. Peter's Square. ;
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