With the unveiling of the Christmas tree and Nativity scene, the Vatican is preparing to celebrate Christmas. Pope Francis will have a busy schedule for the second year after the coronavirus pandemic.
On December 24, the Pope will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica at 7:30pm.
POPE FRANCIS
December 24, 2021
So then, dear brothers and sisters, let us return to Bethlehem, let us return to the origins: to the essentials of faith, to our first love.
The Christmas festivities continue with Pope Francis' annual Urbi et Ori blessing on Christmas Day. He will give the blessing from the Central Loggia of the Basilica at noon.
For New Year's Eve, the Pope will preside at First Vespers. He will also offer a “Te Deum” prayer in St. Peter's Basilica at 5pm, giving thanks for the 2022 year.
The Pope will ring in the new year with Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God in St. Peter's at 10am. This day also marks the 56th World Day of Peace.
To celebrate the Epiphany, the Pope will preside over the Mass at 10am in St. Peter's Basilica.
On January 8, Pope Francis will preside over the Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord at 9:30am in the Sistine Chapel. During the Mass, he will also baptize a number of children.
KG
