Vatican City - The Holy See Press Office has released the Calendar of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations for the Christmas Season, December 2022 – January 2023

The celebrations begin on Christmas Eve, 24 December, with the Holy Mass presided over by the Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:30 pm local time.

Urbi et Orbi
On Christmas day, 25 December, Pope Francis will give the Urbi et Orbi ('to the city [of Rome] and to the world') blessing from the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica at 12:00 noon.

On 31 December, the Holy Father is scheduled to preside at the First Vespers and Te Deum in thanksgiving for the past year in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5:00 pm.

January celebrations
Meanwhile, on 1 January 2023, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, in the Vatican Basilica at 10:00 am.

Likewise, on 6 January, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Holy Mass will be celebrated again in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10:00 am.

Finally, on 8 January, the Holy Father will preside over the celebration of Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord at 9:30 am in the Sistine Chapel. He will also baptize some children at that Mass.

Calendar of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations for Christmastime
December 2022 – January 2023

24th December
Christmas of the Lord, Solemnity
St. Peter’s Basilica, 7.30 p.m.
PAPAL CHAPEL
Holy Mass on the Night

25 December
Christmas of the Lord, Solemnity
Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, 12 noon
Urbi et Orbi” blessing

31 December
Mary Most Holy Mother of God, solemnity
St. Peter’s Basilica, 5 p.m.
First Vespers and Te Deum in thanksgiving for the past

January 2023

1st January
Mary Most Holy Mother of God, solemnity
St. Peter’s Basilica, 10 a.m.
PAPAL CHAPEL
Holy Mass
LVI World Day of Peace

6 January
Epiphany of the Lord, Solemnity
St. Peter’s Basilica, 10 a.m.
PAPAL CHAPEL
Holy Mass
-VN