Praying with the Pope, ‘Urbi et Orbi’ 2024 Christmas message from the Vatican
Watch Pope Francis deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing
Pope Francis delivers his traditional Christmas blessing from St. Peter's Square.
Every year, the pope broadcasts his Christmas message or “Urbi et Orbi” at 12 p.m. at the Vatican, which is 6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT in the U.S.
Pope kicks off 2025 Jubilee Year
Pope Francis is kicking off the 2025 Jubilee Year with Christmas liturgies at the Vatican, including opening the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve, the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, and a special Holy Door at Rebibbia Prison for prisoners.
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Millions of the faithful practice the Christmas tradition of listening to the pope's "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.
Prior to 1985, it was only given to people in the Vatican City by the pope from the Central Loggia of the Vatican Basilica. However, the faithful around the world can now listen via radio, television and internet.
Welcome and Merry Christmas!
Today, Pope Francis will deliver the most solemn blessing of the Catholic Church, the papal blessing "Urbi et Orbi." The Latin phrase means “to the city and the world,” and the practice dates back to the reign of Pope Gregory X in the 13th century.
The granting of plenary indulgence takes place on the most solemn occasions, and is generally reserved only for Christmas and Easter.
Watch the pope deliver this Christmas message live from the Vatican right here on AS USA.