By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
In a break with tradition, the Pope has decided to celebrate Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at 10:00 p.m. rather than at midnight.
Papal spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi told The Associated Press that the decision to celebrate the Mass two hours earlier than usual was made two months ago to “ease the (pope’s) fatigue at a time when there are many ceremonies and commitments.”
The change has fueled rumors that the Pope’s health might be failing, but Fr. Lombardi dismissed these concerns. “There’s no cause for worry about the health” of the pope, he said. Vatican aides merely wanted to “stretch out” his strength, and the pontiff agreed, he added.
At noon on Christmas Day, Pope Benedict will read the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (to the City and to the World) message, which usually contains reflections on the spiritual significance of Christmas as well as references to world events.
The Pope’s Christmas schedule differs from that of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, who always celebrated Christmas Eve Mass at midnight in the basilica, even when in failing health. At the start of his papacy in 1978, he also led a midmorning Mass for the faithful on Christmas Day, but this public Mass was dropped in his later years.
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