In recent days, the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, Bishop Diego Ravelli, announced the calendar of liturgical celebrations presided over by the Most Rev. Pope Francis’ for the upcoming Christmas season.
The evening Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord will be celebrated on Sunday, December 24, at 7:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Basilica, preceded by the preparation and singing of the Calenda. Concelebrating with the Pontiff will be the patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops and bishops present in Rome, as well as priests who so desire.
On Christmas Day, the Pope will appear from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at 12:00 noon for the customary "Urbi et Orbi" blessing preceded by his Christmas message.
Te Deum
The other significant event will take place on Sunday, December 31, when Francis will preside at the celebration of the First Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God in St. Peter's Basilica, which will conclude with the singing of the hymn "Te Deum" for the end of the civil year. Patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops and bishops present in Rome will also attend.
A new year of peace
The first celebration in 2024 will take place at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Basilica on January 1, the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God and the 57th World Day of Peace. The message This year's issue, distributed in the last few days, is dedicated to the implications of the Artificial Intelligence in human and social life, with special attention to the common good and dignity.
The Pope recognizes the need for all of us to be better informed in this area, bearing in mind that these revolutionary technologies are not "neutral", but are bearers of the "values" of those who create and use them.
Francis also invites us not to give in to the "technocratic paradigm" in which only profit remains the priority, while inequalities, injustices, tensions and conflicts are generated. One way to mitigate the most dangerous risks is through fair regulation.
Epiphany of the Lord
The last celebration of the Christmas season is scheduled for January 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, with Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at 10:00 a.m.
