The second largest chuch in the Christian world, the 16th-century St Peter's Basilica in Rome provides a fitting and moving setting for the celebration of Christ's birth. Each Christmas Eve the Pope gives Midnight Mass in St Peter's Square, from what is perhaps the world's most famous church. Begun in 1506, St Peter's Basilica was not completed until 1615, under Pope Paul V. The great interior is filled with Renaissance and Baroque art. The Pope's Christmas Eve speech is made in front of a vast crown and broadcast to over 40 countries. Visitors to this occasion need to reserve tickets through the Prefettura della Casa Pontificia.

Times
Midnight.