Pope to celebrate early Mass Dec. 24 because of COVID-19 curfew
December 10, 2020 at 10:37 p.m.
The curfew is one of many measures the Italian government has employed in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
In addition to the early start time, the Vatican's COVID-19 measures are still in force: only a small congregation will be allowed inside the basilica; people's temperatures are checked as they arrive; masks are required for the congregation and servers; the seating is socially distanced.
While the nighttime Mass often is referred to as "Midnight Mass," it has not been celebrated at midnight at the Vatican since 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI moved it to 10 p.m. Pope Francis moved it to 9:30 p.m. in 2013, his first Christmas as Pope.
The Pope's Christmas blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) will be given, as usual, at noon Christmas Day from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Other liturgies announced by the Vatican Dec. 10 include:
– Dec. 31, 5 p.m., evening prayer and the singing of the "Te Deum" in St. Peter's Basilica to thank God for the past year.
– Jan. 1, 10 a.m., Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day.
– Jan. 6, 10 a.m., Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the feast of the Epiphany.
Related Stories
Sunday, December 14, 2025
E-Editions
Events
The curfew is one of many measures the Italian government has employed in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
In addition to the early start time, the Vatican's COVID-19 measures are still in force: only a small congregation will be allowed inside the basilica; people's temperatures are checked as they arrive; masks are required for the congregation and servers; the seating is socially distanced.
While the nighttime Mass often is referred to as "Midnight Mass," it has not been celebrated at midnight at the Vatican since 2009 when Pope Benedict XVI moved it to 10 p.m. Pope Francis moved it to 9:30 p.m. in 2013, his first Christmas as Pope.
The Pope's Christmas blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) will be given, as usual, at noon Christmas Day from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Other liturgies announced by the Vatican Dec. 10 include:
– Dec. 31, 5 p.m., evening prayer and the singing of the "Te Deum" in St. Peter's Basilica to thank God for the past year.
– Jan. 1, 10 a.m., Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day.
– Jan. 6, 10 a.m., Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the feast of the Epiphany.