Reportedly for the first time ever, the Christmas Eve midnight mass held by the Pope has been moved to an earlier time. It has been moved to 10 PM (2100 GMT), leading to speculation of possible health issues for the aging Pontiff. Papal staff has denied the rumors.
An official Vatican spokesman, the Reverend Frederico Lombardi, issued the following statement: “The decision was made to ease the Pope’s fatigue at a time when there are many ceremonies and commitments. There is no reason to worry about Pope Benedict XVI’s health.” Pope Benedict XVI is 82.
There is no doubt that the Christmas season is perhaps the busiest time of the year for the Pope. In addition to the midnight mass on Christmas Eve, Pope Benedict XVI will read the Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica at noon on Christmas Day. By holding the mass earlier, the Pope will get a few extra hours of sleep prior to Christmas day. The Vatican hopes the 10 PM mass will be finished by midnight.
Meanwhile, on Thursday evening the Vatican was scheduled to unveil in St Peter's Square its a Nativity Scene, or crib, that recreates the scene of Jesus' birth. This was a custom that was revived in 1982.
The Nativity Scene stands next the Vatican's Christmas tree. This year the tree is a 30-meter high spruce tree from the forests of the Ardennes in Wallonia, Belgium. Pope Benedict XVI was to begin the evening's services after the unveiling, by lighting a candle in his studio windows.
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
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