For many people around the world, Christmas is a time of parties, family and friends gatherings, but in religious terms, especially for Christians, it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
During these dates, the Vatican celebrates the most special Masses of the year, in which Pope Francis will preside over all of them and thousands of people will gather in Rome to witness these events.
These are the liturgical celebrations for Christmas, New Year and the Epiphany of the Lord. Most of them will be led by Pope Francis, and the day and time of the masses are already known.
Celebrations on December 24 and 25
On Tuesday, December 24, the Bishop of Rome will preside over the Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 10:00 a.m. PT).
After the Mass, the opening of the Holy Door will take place, a rite that officially marks the beginning of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”. This Jubilee will conclude on January 6, 2026, according to the Vatican’s official website, vaticannews.com.
