Pope Leo XIV Brings Back Old Christmas Traditions

Christmas Day Mass Returns After 30 Years

Pope Leo XIV is bringing back old traditions for Christmas at the Vatican. The Christmas Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica will take place on December 25th at 10 a.m., followed by the traditional "urbi et orbi" blessing at noon. This Mass hasn't been celebrated since 1994.

Christmas Celebrations Begin on December 24th

• Mass at 10 p.m. on December 24th, a return to pre-pandemic times.
• Before 2009, the Mass was held at midnight.
• Pope Benedict XVI moved it to an earlier time.

New Year's and Epiphany Celebrations

• December 31st: First vespers and Te Deum in St. Peter's Basilica.
• January 1st, 2026: Mass for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the 59th World Day of Peace.
• January 6th: Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Pope Leo XIV will close the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica and celebrate the closing Mass of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025.

End of Christmas Celebrations

• January 11th: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The pope will celebrate Mass and baptize children of Vatican employees in the Sistine Chapel.

Christmas Spirit at the Vatican

• December 15th: Christmas tree lit and Nativity scene inaugurated in St. Peter's Square.
• "Nacimiento Gaudium" in the Paul VI Audience Hall features the Virgin Mary as pregnant, symbolizing hope and anticipation.

Pope's Schedule After Christmas

• Short break at Castel Gandolfo.
• Preside over main liturgical events and meet the faithful on major feast days.
• January 7th and 8th: Gather all cardinals of the world in Rome for his first ordinary consistory since the conclave that elected him.