.- On Saturday at 5 p.m., Pope Benedict will preside over the celebration of first Vespers at the Vatican Basilica for the beginning of Advent.
Also this month, the Holy Father's itinerary follows:
- Tuesday 8. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. At 4 p.m. in Piazza di Spagna, veneration of the Virgin.
- Thursday 24. Solemnity of the Lord's Nativity. At 10 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica the Pope will celebrate Midnight Mass.
- Friday 25. Solemnity of the Lord's Nativity. At 12 p.m. the Pope will impart the Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central balcony of the Vatican Basilica.
- Thursday 31. At 8 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica the Holy Father will preside over first Vespers in thanksgiving for the closing year.
