Pope Leo XIV Presides Over First Christmas Eve Mass in Rome
Posted Christmas Day 25 December,2025
Image of the Pope from AAP
Pope Leo XIV Presides Over First Christmas Eve Mass Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, celebrated his inaugural Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, on December 24, 2025.
The 69-year-old Chicago native revived the tradition of offering Christmas Mass on December 25, last observed in 1994. The Mass, which began at 10 p.m. local time, marked a significant moment in Pope Leo’s seven-month tenure.
Earlier that day, he closed the first Holy Door of Rome’s major basilicas at St. Mary Major. Pope Leo’s Christmas Eve Mass schedule differs from his predecessor, Pope Francis, who held the service at 7:30 p.m.
Key Highlights:
Restored Tradition: Pope Leo restored the Christmas Day Mass, a custom dating back to St. John Paul II’s pontificate.
Urbi et Orbi Blessing
On Christmas Day, he’ll deliver the traditional “urbi et orbi” blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica’s central balcony. –
Jubilee Year:
The Christmas celebrations coincide with the conclusion of the Jubilee Year, which Pope Leo will formally close on January 6, 2026.
The event was broadcast in the United States on NBC, starting at 11:30 p.m. following the network’s airing of “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
