Christmas 2021

The Latest

Pope Francis gives his Christmas ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing Dec. 25, 2021.

Full text: Pope Francis’ Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing 2021

Dec 25, 2021

By Pope Francis

The pope prayed for peace in conflict zones around the world. Read more

Pope Francis gives his Christmas ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing Dec. 25, 2021.

Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing 2021: Pope Francis asks world leaders to be open to dialogue

Dec 25, 2021

By CNA Staff

He spoke from the central balcony overlooking a rainy St. Peter’s Square. Read more

Pope Francis offers Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord

Pope Francis’ Christmas Mass: ‘God comes into the world in littleness’

Dec 24, 2021

By Courtney Mares

In his Christmas homily, Pope Francis asked Christians to contemplate that God did not choose to come into the world... Read more

It's the most wonderful time of the year for watching Christmas classics on TV.

CNA staff picks: The best Christmas movies to watch this year

Dec 20, 2021

By CNA Staff

Christmastime is upon us. In the spirit of the holiday, the writers and editors of CNA would like to share... Read more

Giotto's Nativity fresco projected on the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Assisi is illuminated with Giotto’s frescoes this Christmas season

Dec 17, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Assisi debuted its Giotto Christmas light display in December 2020, but Italy’s coronavirus restrictions last year prevented people from visiting. Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24, 2018.

Christmas at the Vatican: Here are the liturgies Pope Francis will celebrate this year

Dec 14, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The Vatican has published Pope Francis’ Christmas schedule for this year. Read more

Pope Francis meets a delegation of people who donated the Christmas tree and the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Dec. 10, 2021.

Pope Francis: Avoid ‘fake Christmas’ of commercialism by reflecting on God’s closeness

Dec 10, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican’s 2021 nativity scene was unveiled in St. Peter’s Square. Read more

null

5 small Catholic businesses to help you finish your Christmas shopping

Dec 5, 2021

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

With Christmas quickly approaching, you may still need that perfect gift for that special someone on your list. We’ve compiled... Read more

The dome of the Cathedral of St. Bavo in Haarlem, the Netherlands.

Dutch Catholic bishops cancel Christmas Midnight Masses due to COVID-19 pandemic

Dec 1, 2021

By Courtney Mares

No Catholic Masses or other parish functions will be allowed to take place after 5 p.m. Read more

Pope Francis met participants and organizers of a Christmas songwriting contest at the Vatican on Nov. 22, 2021

Pope Francis tells young adults to hold onto hope as Advent nears

Nov 22, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis met young adults and teens participating in a songwriting contest based on the theme of Christmas. Read more

Advent calendar

The best Catholic Advent calendars for 2021

Nov 17, 2021

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Here’s a list of our favorite Advent calendars to bring the Nativity story to your family, and hopefully create cherished... Read more