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Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass Thursday night amid coronavirus restrictions that reduced a normal crowd of up to 10,000 worshipers to a group of fewer than 100 people, according to reports.
The smaller-scale service was held at the rear of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City rather than in the main section of the basilica, Reuters reported.
In addition, the evening mass began about two hours earlier than normal so that participants could return home before the curfew went into effect at 10 p.m., according to the report.
During his homily, the Roman Catholic leader urged his followers to reach out to those in need, noting that Jesus Christ was considered an outsider.
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“The Son of God was born as an outcast, to tell us that every outcast is a child of God,” the Pope said.
Pope Francis celebrates Mass on Christmas Eve, in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Thursday, December 24, 2020 (Associated Press).
This year marks the eighth Christmas of the pontificate of 84-year-old Francis, Reuters reported.
On Friday, Christmas Day, the Pope plans to read his traditional message “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) from inside the Vatican instead of from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Square, since Italy and the Vatican remain. under a national blockade during the holidays.
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During the shutdown, people are allowed to travel only for work, medical or emergency reasons, Reuters reported.
Christmas traditions have also declined in other areas of the world, including in Bethlehem, the West Bank, considered the birthplace of Christ, and in Australia, Colombia, Brazil, Greece and the Philippines, according to The Associated Press.
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In Bethlehem, the gloomy weather only underscored the low-key tone of Christmas events, the AP reported. But the mayor of the city tried to make the best of the situation.
“Christmas is a holiday that renews hope in souls,” Mayor Anton Salman told the AP. “Despite all the obstacles and challenges due to the crown and due to the lack of tourism, the city of Bethlehem still looks to the future with optimism.”
Associated Press contributed to this story.
