Christmas at the Vatican

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Andrea de Walderstein (left) and Antonio Boemo are spearheading the recreation of a local lagoon in a Nativity scene for St. Peter’s Square. Walderstein is the Nativity’s architect, designer, and construction manager, and Boemo is the coordinator and leader of the project.

A lagoon in St. Peter’s Square? Vatican Nativity scene set to make a splash

Dec 4, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

For the first time, a crèche in St. Peter’s Square will feature a large body of water thanks to the... Read more

Pope Francis takes a figure of the Christ child in his arms at the end of the Vatican's Mass for the Nativity of the Lord on Dec. 24, 2023.

Pope Francis’ Christmas Mass: Jesus was born to save the world

Dec 24, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis shared a message in his Christmas homily for anyone who may be feeling sad or discouraged. Read more

Pope Francis gives his Angelus address on Dec. 24, 2023.

Pope Francis: Do not confuse Christmas with consumerism

Dec 24, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The pope asked people to think of which lonely or needy people could be comforted by their friendship during the... Read more

The Vatican unveiled its annual Nativity scene on Dec. 9, 2023, paying special tribute to the origins of the beloved tradition on its 800-year anniversary.

Vatican unveils Nativity scene honoring St. Francis of Assisi and devotion’s 800-year-old origin 

Dec 9, 2023

By CNA Staff

The scene in St. Peter’s Square depicts not only Mary and Joseph standing beside the manager, but also St. Francis... Read more

Pope Francis gazes at a nativity scene during a meeting with two delegations at the Vatican Dec. 9, 2023 — a community from Macra, located in the Alps who provided this year’s Christmas tree, and people from the Diocese of Rieti, who donated this year's Nativity scene.

Pope Francis: Vatican Nativity scene should prompt prayers for the Holy Land 

Dec 9, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

The pope made his remarks in a Saturday morning audience in Paul VI Hall with two delegations who donated the... Read more

Pope Francis delivers his Christmas "Urbi et Orbi" address on Dec. 25, 2022.

Full text: Pope Francis’ Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing 2022

Dec 25, 2022

By Pope Francis

The following is the full text of the pope’s Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” address delivered from the central balcony overlooking... Read more

With a cane in his right hand, 86-year-old Pope Francis delivers his 10th Christmas "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on Dec. 25, 2022.

On Christmas Day, Pope Francis prays for Prince of Peace to end ‘third world war’

Dec 25, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 25, the pope offered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi”... Read more

Pope Francis prays in front of the nativity scene after Christmas Mass Dec. 24, 2022.

Full text: Pope Francis’ homily for Christmas 2022

Dec 24, 2022

By Pope Francis

Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Read more

Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Dec. 24, 2022.

Pope Francis on Christmas: The manger is a sign that God is with us and loves us

Dec 24, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

“What does this night still have to say to our lives?” Pope Francis asked. Read more

The Vatican’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3, 2022.

PHOTOS: Vatican Christmas tree lighting ceremony 2022

Dec 3, 2022

By Courtney Mares

A large hand-carved wooden nativity scene was unveiled in St. Peter Square on Saturday night at the Vatican’s Christmas tree... Read more

Pope Francis spent time in silent prayer in front of a nativity scene handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala on Dec. 3, 2022.

Pope Francis blesses Nativity scene made by craftsmen in Guatemala

Dec 3, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis blessed a Nativity scene on Saturday that was handmade by artisan craftsmen in Guatemala. Read more

Pope Francis delivers his Angelus address at the Vatican, Jan. 2, 2022.

Pope Francis at the Angelus: God wants to live with us and in us

Jan 2, 2022

By CNA Staff

The pope was speaking at the Sunday Angelus. Read more

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 Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Dec. 24, 2021

Full Text: Pope Francis’ Christmas homily

Dec 24, 2021

By Pope Francis

Pope Francis’ Christmas homily for Midnight Mass at the Vatican this year 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

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