Pope to deliver message, greetings and blessing on Christmas Day

December 24, 2012 - Pope Benedict XVI will deliver his special Christmas message ‘Urbi et Orbi” at midday on Tuesday, Christmas Day. The message “Urbi et Orbi”, which is the Latin for ‘to the city (of Rome) and to the world’, is delivered twice a year by the Pope – at Christmas and at Easter. The expression “Urbi et Orbi” denotes the Pope as the Bishop of Rome and the head of the universal Catholic Church. Pope Benedict will deliver the message in Italian from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica overlooking St. Peter’s Square. This will be followed by Christmas greetings in numerous languages of the world, and his blessing. Faithful who receive this special Christmas blessing, through the radio, television or other media, can obtain a plenary indulgence. On our website (), people can follow the event live.