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Under Corona’s hygienic conditions, Pope Francis celebrated the traditional midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, much earlier than usual. At the mass on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, the head of the Catholic Church recalled charity.
With reference to the Christmas story, Francis added in his sermon that this “manger was poor in everything, but rich in love.” Teach them that the food of life is to be loved by God and to love others.
The pontiff also warned that his life should not be used to pity himself but to “comfort the tears of those who suffer.”
Evening Mass for Exit Restrictions
In the year of the Crown, the Christmas mass had to be brought forward to 7.30 pm, as stricter crown rules apply in Italy for the holidays and therefore also the restrictions on departure from 10 pm Only a little more than 100 believers celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, at a great distance from each other and wearing masks.
The pandemic is also an opportunity to bring the meaning of Christmas back to the fore and not consumption, Francis had emphasized beforehand. This makes Christmas more authentic. You also have to think about the lonely and the sick on vacation.
The Christmas celebrations will continue on Friday when Francis gives the “Urbi et orbi” blessing in the Benedictine room of the Apostolic Palace. On this occasion, the Pope also wants to announce his Christmas message.
Precautions in Bethlehem
At the traditional birthplace of Jesus Christ, in Bethlehem in the West Bank, workers disinfect the manger in front of the Church of the Nativity. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa travels from Jerusalem to the West Bank, protected by a military convoy.
Due to Corona restrictions, only Bethlehem residents and the archbishop’s entourage were able to attend the celebrations. Only the clergy attended midnight mass at the Church of the Nativity.
