What time is Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas Eve Midnight Mass? Schedule and how to watch the message from St. Peter’s Basilica on TV
Christmas Eve Mass, a fundamental part of Christmas celebrations for many Catholics, will be streamed live from the Vatican and broadcast on TV.
The Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, known in Spanish as Misa del Gallo, is a Catholic religious ceremony in which the sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated and the death and resurrection of Jesus are commemorated. It takes place on the night of Christmas Eve, between December 24 and 25.
The ceremony consists of two main parts. In the first, the biblical readings of the day are read and the priest delivers the homily. In the second, the consecration of the bread and wine takes place and Communion is distributed.
This Christmas tradition is celebrated at the Vatican, specifically in St. Peter’s Basilica, and this year it will be presided over for the first time by Pope Leo XIV. Christians living in Rome or nearby areas may choose to attend the Mass, which is completely free. However, tickets must be reserved in advance, as it is a large-scale event.
Where can you watch it?
For believers who are unable to travel to the Vatican or secure tickets, Vatican News will broadcast the Midnight Mass live on YouTube starting at 10:00 p.m. local time, 4 p.m. ET. In the United States, NBC will air the event on television at 11:30 pm ET.
Origins
In the fifth century AD, Pope Sixtus III introduced in Rome the custom of celebrating the birth of Jesus with a prayer at midnight, known as ad galli cantus, or “at the crowing of the rooster,” since this marked the beginning of the day for the ancient Romans. This expression is what gave the Mass its distinctive name.
Both Christmas Eve Mass and Christmas Day Mass have been closely linked to art, and especially to the musical works of great composers. For example, Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis was first performed in London on Christmas Eve in 1832, conducted by Moscheles.
A Christmas tradition
Today, Christmas Eve Mass is a fundamental part of Christmas celebrations for many Catholics.
In Spanish-speaking countries, this tradition is deeply rooted, especially in Latin America, including countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico, which together represent the largest Catholic population in the world.