Christmas 2024 will be a time of great significance for the Catholic Church, marked by important celebrations presided over by Pope Francis, both in the Vatican and in places close to the community. Below are the main liturgical and pastoral events that will take place during the end-of-year festivities.
December 24: Christmas Eve Mass and Opening of the Holy Door
The celebration of Christmas will begin on the evening of December 24, when Pope Francis will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at 7:00 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica. This event, which commemorates the birth of Jesus, will be of special importance, since after the Mass the Holy Door will be opened. This symbolic rite will mark the official beginning of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, under the motto Pilgrims of Hope, a call to spiritual renewal and hope in Christ.
December 25: Christmas Message and Urbi et Orbi Blessing
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis will offer his traditional Christmas message at 12:00 noon from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica. On this occasion, he will reflect on the mystery of the birth of the Savior and his message of peace for the world. He will then impart the Urbi et Orbi Blessing, a solemn act that embraces all humanity with the wish for peace, hope and consolation.
December 26: Opening of the Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison
On the feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door at the Rebibbia prison in Rome at 9:00 a.m. This gesture is a symbol of closeness and hope for the prisoners, reminding them that they too are part of the journey towards redemption. The Pope has expressed his desire to offer a concrete sign of closeness to those most in need, especially those in prison, inviting them to look to the future with hope.
December 31: Vespers of the Solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God
On December 31, the Pope will celebrate the first vespers of the solemnity of Saint Mary, Mother of God in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5:00 p.m. During this ceremony, the Te Deum hymn will be sung, an act of Thanksgiving to the Lord for the year that is ending. This celebration invites all the faithful to reflect on moments of grace and to place their trust in God for the new year.
January 1: Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God and World Day of Peace
On January 1, 2025, the Pope will preside over Mass in the Vatican Basilica at 10:00 a.m., on the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God. This date is also the 58th World Day of Peace, a key event in the Church’s reflection and commitment to world peace. Through his homily, Pope Francis will renew the call for peace and reconciliation in a world marked by conflict and division.
January 6: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
On January 6, the Pope will celebrate the Eucharist in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10:00 a.m., on the occasion of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. On this feast, the Church remembers the revelation of Christ to the Three Wise Men, an act of manifestation of the Savior to all nations. This day will be an opportunity to renew faith and joy for the gift of salvation.
January 12: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
To conclude the Christmas celebrations, on January 12, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel at 9:30. During this Eucharist, as is traditional, he will administer the sacrament of Baptism to several children, an act of welcome into the family of God and renewal of Christian commitment.
These celebrations not only mark the liturgical rhythm of Christmas and the beginning of the new year, but also invite the faithful to live a time of spiritual renewal, hope and peace, under the guidance of Pope Francis.
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