Pope Francis Delivers Christmas Address at the Vatican

"Urbi et Orbi" is a traditional message or blessing given by the head of the Catholic Church on certain occasions. Pope Francis last held the special prayer in March, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe.

Sputnik is live from the Vatican where the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is giving an "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas blessing to Catholics all around the world.

The Pontiff, who turned on 84 on 17 December, led Christmas Eve Mass at St Peter's Basilica on Thursday with a limited number of worshippers. The Mass began two hours earlier than usual, so that those in attendance could make it home before the local curfew in place.

In March, Pope Francis delivered a special "Urbi et Orbi" blessing amid the coronavirus pandemic, praying for those who had been affected the most.

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