Live: Pope Francis celebrates Christmas Eve mass

Watch live as Pope Francis marks Christmas Eve with mass at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. For the third year running, the service is being held in the early evening, rather than what is otherwise known as ‘Midnight Mass’. Surrounded by other religious figures, the Pope usually emphasises the lessons of Christmas, and how it reflects current world events. Thousands will gather in St Peter’s Square surrounding the cathedral to watch on. The address is also broadcast on TV in 72 countries around the globe. In a pre-Christmas message on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote a message encouraging people to ‘deprive’ themselves of something so they can ‘offer it to a neighbour in need’, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. On Christmas Day, Francis will deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message to the world. Click here for more on Independent TV: Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: