Christmas
The Latest
Full text: Pope Francis’ Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing 2021
The pope prayed for peace in conflict zones around the world. Read more
Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing 2021: Pope Francis asks world leaders to be open to dialogue
He spoke from the central balcony overlooking a rainy St. Peter’s Square. Read more
Pope Francis’ Christmas Mass: ‘God comes into the world in littleness’
In his Christmas homily, Pope Francis asked Christians to contemplate that God did not choose to come into the world... Read more
Christmas falls on a Saturday this year. What does that mean for Mass obligations?
This weekend, Latin rite Catholics have an obligation to attend Mass on both Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, and on... Read more
Piñatas, Posadas and other Christ-centered Mexican Christmas traditions
Here’s what happens during the 9-day Mexican Christmas tradition called ‘las Posadas.’ Read more
Assisi is illuminated with Giotto’s frescoes this Christmas season
Assisi debuted its Giotto Christmas light display in December 2020, but Italy’s coronavirus restrictions last year prevented people from visiting. Read more
10 things that Pope Francis wants us to learn from the nativity scene
The tradition was born in an unassuming town in 1223. Read more
Vatican cardinal criticizes advice to avoid word ‘Christmas’ in EU commission communications guide
The guidelines were withdrawn on Tuesday. Read more
The best Catholic Advent calendars for 2021
Here’s a list of our favorite Advent calendars to bring the Nativity story to your family, and hopefully create cherished... Read more
'Sancta Nox' album of Christmas Matins debuts at #1 on Billboard Traditional Classical Albums chart
On Sept. 28, a community of seminarians from the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter’s European seminary released an album of... Read more
‘May the Savior wipe away every tear’: Ukrainian Greek Catholic leader issues Christmas message
The leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church urged his flock Wednesday to set aside “fear and sorrow” as they... Read more
Pope Francis calls for ‘vaccines for all’ as he gives Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing
Giving his traditional Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing Friday, Pope Francis called for coronavirus vaccines to be made available to... Read more
Pope Francis: 'Christmas is the feast of love incarnate'
Pope Francis said Wednesday that Christmas brings joy and strength that can remove the pessimism that has spread in human... Read more
Pope Francis: ‘Consumerism has stolen Christmas’
Pope Francis advised Catholics Sunday not to waste time complaining about coronavirus restrictions, but to focus instead on helping those... Read more
As Christmas nears, Catholic priest sees ‘signs of hope’ at COVID hospital in Rome
A Catholic chaplain at a COVID hospital in Rome said he has seen many reasons for hope this Advent, especially... Read more
Vatican permits priests to say up to four Masses on Christmas Day
The Vatican’s liturgy congregation will permit priests to say up to four Masses on Christmas Day, the Solemnity of Mary,... Read more
EWTN’s Warsaw: No politician can ‘cancel Christmas’
The head of the EWTN media network encouraged Christians to be hopeful and filled with joy this Christmas, despite efforts... Read more
Mini Pope Francis featured in Vatican’s annual 100 nativity scenes display
Among the novelties of this year’s “100 Nativity Scenes at the Vatican” exhibit is the inclusion of a miniature Pope... Read more
‘It doesn’t embarrass us’: Art teacher defends Vatican’s much-maligned nativity scene
A teacher at the art institute where the Vatican’s much-maligned nativity scene was made has responded to its critics. Read more
Is Christmas simply a re-imagining of ancient pagan celebrations?
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and, perhaps, to have one’s social media inundated with memes about Christmas being nothing... Read more
