Urbi et Orbi for Christmas, the blessing of Pope Francis in streaming – Corriere.it

After Christmas mass, celebrated on the night of December 24, two hours earlier than in previous years, in an almost empty St. Peter’s Basilica, with only the cardinals and in front of just over one hundred and thirty faithful. religious – today, Christmas Day, Pope Francis will give the traditional Urbi et Orbi (“to the city and to the world”) blessing starting at 11:55, in the Hall of Blessings of the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

The blessing will be broadcast live: under the YouTube signal of the Vatican media center.

«This Child, Jesus,” was born for us “: an us without borders, without privileges or exclusions. We are all in this together. Each one is a brother of mine. In each one I see the face of God reflected and in those who suffer I see the Lord asking for my help. I see it in the sick, the poor, the unemployed, the marginalized, migrants and refugees, “the Pope said.” El Niño de Belén then helps us to be available, generous and supportive, especially with the most fragile people, the sick and those who in this time have been without work or are in serious difficulties due to the economic consequences of the pandemic, as well like the women who have suffered domestic violence in these months of confinement ”.

The decision was taken – announced the Vatican Press Office – in consideration of the new restrictions adopted to contain the spread of Covid-19, according to the Prefecture of the Papal House. For the same reason, on December 26 and 27, 2020 and January 1, 3 and 6, 2021, the Angelus will take place in the Library.

The blessing of the Pope in abundance and from the room of the Apostolic Palace is an absolute novelty: another first time in a year full of firsts, even for the Pope. That for the first time he was forced, among other things, to interrupt the journey among the faithful in St. Peter’s Square for a long time and celebrate Easter without the faithful.

According to the Christmas Decree, it is now possible for the faithful to go to mass: but a CEI note specifies that “places of worship where you can visit or participate in a celebration” must be reasonably identified. among the closest ”» to home. In the days of the “orange zone”, the faithful “may freely access any sacred place in the Municipality of residence, domicile or home. If the Municipality has a population that does not exceed 5,000 inhabitants, it is possible to go to churches located in other municipalities that are not provincial capitals and not more than 30 kilometers away ”.