2021 Urbi et Orbi Christmas Praying with the Pope: times and how to watch

Pope Francis will deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the world on Christmas day. Watch the pope deliver the most-watched mass live online from St. Peter’s Basilica. For those of you lucky enough to have tickets, enjoy the mass in person!

This year Pope Francis will not deliver what is referred to as his midnight mass at midnight. Instead he will deliver it at 7:30 ET, just as he did in 2020. In 2020, the mass was so early due to the pandemic and Italy’s 10:00 PM curfew. In fact, the midnight mass hasn’t actually happened at midnight since before 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI moved it to 10:00 PM.

In 2020, Pope Francis gave his Christmas message in the the Hall of Benediction of St. Peter’s Basilica. This year, safety measures will be in place. Everyone’s temperature will be taken and attendees are required to wear masks.

How can I watch the mass live?

You can watch Pope Francis deliver the Christmas mass on the Vatican News YouTube channel.

When will the pope deliver his annual Christmas message?

Every year the pope delivers his Christmas message or “urbi et orbi” at 12:00 at the Vatican, which is 6:00 PM Eastern Time in the US.

Below is the "URBI ET ORBI" blessing:

May the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in whose power and authority we trust, intercede for us before the Lord.

Amen.

Through the prayers and merits of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint John the Baptist, the holy apostles Peter and Paul, and all the saints, may Almighty God have mercy on you and forgive all your sins, and may Jesus Christ bring you to everlasting life.

Amen.

May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you indulgence, absolution and the remission of all your sins, a season of true and fruitful penance, a well-disposed heart, amendment of life, the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit and final perseverance in good works.

Amen.

And may the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, come down on you and remain with you forever.

Amen.