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The gloomy scene of the Christmas celebrations worries Pope Francis. Mette takes place earlier due to exit restrictions. In Israel, even the streets were disinfected for the traditional procession.
Even in times of the crown pandemic, Pope Francis wants the traditional Christmas mass to be celebrated this year Christmas celebrate. However, in view of the Crown’s rules, the Vatican had to advance the mass on Thursday. It should start at 7:30 p.m., a little earlier than usual, because in Italy it is closed Christmas from 10 pm curfew until the morning of the next day. The fair is held with a limited number of participants to protect against infection.
The grim setting of this year’s Christmas celebrations worries the Pope. According to Vatican experts, the 84-year-old is saddened by how Christmas it is celebrated this year. Also, the cardinals in the closest circle around the head of the Catholic Church had recently hired Corona.
On Wednesday, Francisco again criticized the consumption that had taken over Christmas. This year, however, due to Corona, gifts and royal salary took a back seat. Christmas come to the light. He called for thinking about the lonely and the sick on vacation.
Smallest Christmas in the Holy Land
Christmas celebrations will also take place in the Holy Land this year under strict restrictions from the Crown. The traditional procession on Thursday was much smaller than usual. The convoy of cars led by the head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, left Jerusalem around noon.
According to Kathpress, the streets of Belén were disinfected beforehand. The floor will be disinfected from “Star Street” through the old town of Bethlehem to the square of the manger and the Church of the Nativity. The city also called for protective measures such as the use of nose and mouth protection and regular hand washing and disinfection to be observed.
The procession was expected in the afternoon in the central square of the manger in front of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. But he should only be received there by a small group, especially Christian dignitaries. Due to the entry restrictions for foreigners, this year tourists and pilgrims are hardly expected.
Pizzaballa was later to celebrate midnight mass on a small scale at the West Bank site that is revered as the birthplace of Jesus. A huge Christmas tree decorated with a star on top stood in the crib square.
Exit restrictions apply in the Palestinian territories due to the high number of corona infections. There is a curfew at night.
(WHAT / dpa)
