Pope Francis looks at a figurine of the baby Jesus as he celebrates Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this Dec. 24, 2020, file photo. The pope will celebrate Christmas Eve Mass at 7:30 p.m. as he did in 2020 with precautions against COVID-19 still in place. CNS photo/Vatican Media
Although Italy no longer has a 10 p.m. curfew in force as part of its measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, Pope Francis will celebrate the “Christmas Mass at Night” at 7:30 p.m. (12:30 p.m. CST), as he did in 2020.
Also on the pope’s calendar:
— At noon (5 a.m. CST) Dec. 25, he will give his traditional Christmas blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).
— At 5 p.m. (10 a.m. CST) Dec. 31, Pope Francis will preside over an evening prayer service for the feast of Mary, Mother of God. Vespers will be followed by eucharistic adoration, benediction and the singing of the “Te Deum” to thank God for the year that is ending.
— At 10 a.m. (3 a.m. CST) Jan. 1, the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day, the pope will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
— At 10 a.m. (3 a.m. CST) Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany, he will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Although not mentioned in the notice published Dec. 13, the website of the Office of Papal Liturgical Ceremonies also lists a 9:30 a.m. (2:30 a.m. CST) Mass and baptism of infants in the Sistine Chapel Jan. 9, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
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