Pope Francis leads Christmas Eve mass

Pope Francis was among the 7,000 faithful celebrating Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday. Traditionally, Catholics mark Christmas Eve by attending Mass at midnight. But over the years, the starting time has crept forward, reflecting the health or stamina of popes and then the coronavirus pandemic.

Two years ago, the start of the service was moved up to 19:30 local time. Although virtually all pandemic-triggered restrictions have long been lifted in Italy, the Vatican kept to the early start time. On Sunday, the pontiff is set to deliver a Christmas blessing to a crowd made up of faithful from around the world gathered in St. Peter's Square.