Christmas celebrations around the globe marked the birth of Jesus Christ with joy, devotion, and a spirit of unity. Midnight Masses, festive processions, and acts of charity brought people together to celebrate the Nativity, emphasizing hope and renewal.
Pope Francis Leads Christmas Observances
At St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis celebrated his 12th Christmas Eve Mass as pontiff, focusing on the theme of hope—a cornerstone of the upcoming 2025 Catholic Holy Year. The Mass inaugurated the Holy Year, which is expected to draw 32 million visitors to Rome.
In his sermon, the pope called on the faithful to embrace hope as a proactive force, urging, “Hope is a summons not to tarry, to be held back by old habits, or to wallow in mediocrity or laziness. It calls us to be upset with things that are wrong and to find the courage to change them.”
The Holy Year celebrations began with the opening of the “Holy Door,” a symbolic bronze-panelled door at St. Peter’s Basilica, which is only opened during Jubilee years. This act signals spiritual renewal and draws pilgrims worldwide. The Vatican anticipates up to 100,000 daily visitors passing through the Holy Door in 2025.
Global Celebrations and Traditions
Across the world, churches and communities celebrated Christmas with fervor:
- Special Services: Midnight Masses and processions were held, blending tradition with prayers for hope and peace.
- Fasting and Cribs: Many observed fasting and prepared Nativity cribs, representing the humble birth of Jesus.
- Santa Claus’s Arrival: The joy of Santa Claus added a festive touch, especially for children, reinforcing the spirit of giving.
A Message for the Future
On Christmas Day, Pope Francis will deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing, addressing both the city of Rome and the global community. His message of hope, central to this year’s Christmas, reminds the world of the need for change, compassion, and unity as a shared human family.
This Christmas season, the celebrations carried not just joy but also a profound call to action, inspiring people to embrace hope and work towards a better future.