The Holy See has announced news that will delight the faithful attached to liturgical tradition: Pope Leo XIV will once again celebrate the Christmas Day Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on the morning of December 25, just before the urbi et orbi blessing. This custom, established during the pontificate of Saint John Paul II, had disappeared in recent years.
Another significant decision: the Holy Father has also chosen to change the time of the Christmas Eve Mass. Whereas under Pope Francis it was celebrated at 7:30 PM, Leo XIV has set the time at 10:00 PM. Thus, the celebration regains a solemnity closer to tradition, as the Midnight Mass has not been celebrated at midnight in Rome since the time of John Paul II. These adjustments show the Pope's desire to place the Christmas liturgy within the continuity of ancient practices, while taking into account current practical realities.
Aged yet still vigorous, the new Supreme Pontiff has already been noted for a sustained rhythm of public celebrations and prayers during the first months of his pontificate. His liturgical calendar for the coming months bears witness to intense pastoral and spiritual activity.
Starting on November 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, he will preside at a Mass in St. Peter's Square, where he will proclaim Saint John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church, as part of the Jubilee of the World of Education. On November 3, he will offer the Holy Sacrifice for the soul of Pope Francis, as well as for the cardinals and bishops who have died during the year. On November 9, he will go to the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the feast of the dedication of this basilica, the mother and head of all churches.
On November 16, a Mass will be offered for the Jubilee of the Poor in St. Peter's, followed on November 23 by the Solemnity of Christ the King celebrated in St. Peter's Square on the occasion of the Jubilee of Choirs.
In December, on the 8th, as every year, the Pope will go to the Spanish Steps in Rome for the act of veneration to the Immaculate Conception. On December 12, he will celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Peter's Basilica, and then, on December 14, the Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners, on this Third Sunday of Advent.
On December 24, the Christmas Eve Mass will take place in St. Peter's Basilica, followed the next morning, December 25, by the Christmas Day Mass and the urbi et orbi blessing. On December 31, the Holy Father will preside at the First Vespers and the Te Deum marking the close of the civil year.
Finally, the year 2026 will open on January 1 with the Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, celebrated for World Day of Peace. On January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, he will close the Holy Door and bring the 2025 Jubilee to an end. On January 11, in the Sistine Chapel, he will baptize several children on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
These liturgical choices clearly manifest Leo XIV's will to reconnect with the traditional fervor of the great celebrations and to place the mystery of Christmas at the heart of the life of the universal Church.