Advertisement

Christmas 2023

Pope Francis delivers his annual “urbi et orbi” address on Christmas from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 25, 2023. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis on Christmas: Saying "yes" to the Prince of Peace Means Saying "no" to War

Dec 25, 2023

On the birthday of the Prince of Peace, Pope Francis called for an end to war in the Holy Land and throughout the world as well as the arms trade that fuels it. 

Pope Francis takes a figure of the Christ child in his arms at the end of the Vatican's Mass for the Nativity of the Lord on Dec. 24, 2023. | Vatican Media

Jesus was Born to Save the World: Pope Francis at Christmas Mass

Dec 24, 2023

In his Christmas homily, Pope Francis shared a message for anyone who may be feeling sad or discouraged with a reminder that the Lord was born to save the world and to give us a hope that is greater than all of our problems.

Pope Francis gives his Angelus address on Dec. 24, 2023. | Vatican Media

Pope Francis: Do not Confuse Christmas with Consumerism

Dec 24, 2023

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis urged Christians not to confuse Christmas with consumerism, but to celebrate the birth of Christ by sharing with those who are lonely and in need.

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa arrives in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, 2023. | Credit: Marinella Bandini, Catholic News Agency

Israel-Hamas War Casts Pall over Christmas Eve Vespers in Bethlehem

Dec 24, 2023

At Bethlehem’s Basilica of the Nativity, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa presided over the first vespers of Christmas.

Pope Francis prays during Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Dec. 24, 2023. | Vatican Media

Full text: Pope Francis’ Homily for Christmas 2023

Dec 24, 2023

The full text of Pope Francis’ homily for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, delivered on Dec. 24, 2023, in St. Peter’s Basilica.  

Credit: IgorAleks/Shutterstock

Is it okay to write ‘Merry Xmas’?: Inside the thousand-year-old Christian tradition

Dec 22, 2023

Contrary to what many believe, the term “XMas” is a Christian innovation meant to preserve Christ as the center of Christmas.

Scene from "It's a Wonderful Life" | Credit: RKO Radio Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

8 Classic Christmas Movies to Watch with your Family this Year

Dec 22, 2023

If you’re a Catholic parent looking for a classic Christmas movie — especially a classic that’s appropriate and enjoyable for the entire family — here are some ideas.

Credit: Alexander Hoffmann/Shutterstock

How to Pray the 300-year-old "Christmas novena"

Dec 16, 2023

The nine-day prayer begins on Dec. 16 and concludes on Christmas Eve.

Alexander Hoffmann / Shutterstock

Catholics Can Receive a Plenary Indulgence by Praying before a Nativity Scene 

Dec 12, 2023

From Dec. 8 until Feb. 2, Catholics will be able to receive a plenary indulgence by praying before a Nativity scene in a Franciscan church.

The Vatican unveiled its annual Nativity scene on Dec. 9, 2023, paying special tribute to the origins of the beloved tradition on its 800-year anniversary. | Credit: Credit: Daniel Ibañez/EWTN

Vatican unveils Nativity scene honoring St. Francis of Assisi and devotion’s 800-year-old origin 

Dec 9, 2023

The scene in St. Peter’s Square depicts not only Mary and Joseph standing beside the manager, but also St. Francis of Assisi and others.

The famous Banksy’s Armored Dove of Peace, the painting of a peace dove wearing a flak jacket. The dove is painted on a wall near the separation wall between Bethlehem (Palestinian Territories) and Israel. Nov. 18, 2023. | Credit: Marinella Bandini

PHOTOS: Christmas Celebrations Canceled in Bethlehem in the Midst of War

Nov 26, 2023

The strands of lights are falling down one after another, forming a kind of curtain of threads in front of the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Following the municipality’s decision to suspend Christmas events and remove decorations, workers are busy dismantling the light canopy on Nativity Square and at other locations in the city.