Christmas 2024

The Latest

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, leans on his pastoral staff while listening to the proclamation of the Gospel during the Christmas Eve Mass at the Church of St. Catherine, the Latin section of the Basilica of the Nativity, on Dec. 24, 2024.

Patriarch of Jerusalem: Let us look to the future with hope, without hatred or violence

Dec 26, 2024

By Marinella Bandini

“Our commitment this Christmas is to rebuild our trust and renew our hope for life here in Bethlehem and throughout... Read more

Three Kings.

When does Christmas actually end? Here are the different views

Dec 26, 2024

By Christine Rousselle

Just how many days is Christmas? When should you take the tree down and remove the decorations? Read more

Pope Francis delivers the urbi et orbi address in St. Peter's Square, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024.

Urbi et orbi: Pope Francis urges world leaders to pursue dialogue, peace in jubilee year

Dec 25, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Pope Francis insisted that a “just and lasting peace” can only be achieved in our world if people first turn... Read more

Volunteers at Mount Saint Mary College collected more than 800 toys for their annual toy drive in Newburgh, New York, in December 2024.

‘An incredible thing’: Catholic groups collect Christmas toys for children in need

Dec 25, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Multiple Catholic groups and organizations this year have collected and distributed Christmas presents to children and families in need. Read more

Pope Francis carries the statue of the Child Jesus to place in the Nativity scene inside St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Mass on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2024, surrounded by children dressed in traditional clothing from their countries.

Pope Francis on Christmas 2024: God is our hope

Dec 24, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The 88-year-old Pope Francis presided over Mass during the Night on Christmas Eve after opening the Holy Door to officially... Read more

Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2024, officially launching the Jubilee Year 2025.

Pope Francis launches Jubilee 2025 with opening of Holy Door

Dec 24, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The 88-year-old Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica before Mass on Christmas Eve, officially launching the... Read more

A variety of fish dishes served on Christmas Eve.

Where does the ‘Feast of the 7 Fishes’ Christmas Eve tradition come from?

Dec 24, 2024

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The Feast of the Seven Fishes stems from the southern part of Italy and spans generations. Read more

Deacon Nathan Ledoux and his friend Michael Figura at the National Art Gallery in London on Dec. 27, 2023.

Pandoro or panettone? 5 American seminarians in Rome share their Christmas traditions

Dec 23, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

Here’s what five NAC seminarians from the United States are doing this Christmas, what they’ve done in the past, and... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his Angelus address via a video livestream from his Casa Santa Marta residence within the Vatican due to a cold on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.

Pope Francis calls for ‘ceasefire on all war fronts’ at Christmas

Dec 22, 2024

By Kristina Millare

“May the weapons be silenced and Christmas carols resound!” Pope Francis insisted on Sunday. Read more

Pope Francis addresses cardinals and senior Vatican officials during his annual Christmas speech to the Roman Curia, Dec. 21, 2024.

Pope Francis warns against gossip, celebrates family life in Vatican Christmas messages

Dec 21, 2024

By AC Wimmer

Pope Francis delivered Christmas messages at the Vatican, warning against gossip, while the Holy See announced he is experiencing cold... Read more

Christmas lights line a street in Rome, Italy, Dec. 17, 2024.

PHOTOS: Christmas in Rome as first Jubilee pilgrims arrive in Eternal City

Dec 20, 2024

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis will open five jubilee Holy Doors in the Christmas season between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6. Read more