Christmas is a magical time of year, especially at the Vatican. With the large Christmas tree and unique Nativity scene, the stage is set for the most important part of the season, the birth of Jesus.
Thus, Pope Francis will be participating in religious ceremonies at the Vatican.
On Christmas Eve, at 9:30 p.m., he will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. It will begin with the singing of the Kalenda song, as is traditional. NATS At the end, he will bring the baby Jesus and lay him in the manger.
The following day, the pope will depart his Urbi et Orbi blessing on all those in St. Peter's Square at noon.
On New Years Eve, Dec. 31, Pope Francis participate in the singing of the traditional song, “Te Deum,” to give thanks. It will follow Eucharistic Adoration and vespers, which begin at 5 p.m. As he has done in the past, he could make a visit outside to pray before the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square.
The next morning at 10 a.m., New Year's Day, he will celebrate Mass in the Basilica in honor of the Blessed Mother. He will give his message for the World Day of Peace and pray the Angelus in St. Peter's Square with all those celebrating the new year at the Vatican.
Pope Francis' concluding event for the 2019/2020 Christmas season will be on Jan. 6, for the Epiphany. At 10 a.m., Rome time, he will celebrate Mass in the Basilica, before he resumes his normal schedule for the New Year.
Melissa Butz
