December 2, 2015 - Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecast Information for Opening of Year of Mercy

WASHINGTON—The Vatican has released information for broadcasters for the worldwide telecasts of the opening of the Holy Year of Mercy, December 8, and Christmas events presided over by Pope Francis. All times are UTC/GMT (Coordinated Universal Time/Greenwich Mean Time).  

• Tuesday, December 8, 08:30-11:30 hours, Holy Mass for the Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the recitation of the Angelus, St. Peter’s Square.  
• Thursday, December 24, 20:15-22:30 hours, Christmas Mass at Night presided over by Pope Francis, St. Peter’s Basilica.  
• Friday, December 25, 11:00-11:30 hours, Christmas Message and “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing of Pope Francis, St. Peter’s Square.  

Television commentaries from the Vatican in English, Spanish and French will be offered on satellite and audio channels of Eurovision World Feed. Details concerning various satellites and frequencies are posted online: www.pccs.it/tj/telecasts.htm Texts and background information for television producers and commentators will also be posted. 

Those unable to receive the broadcasts through the above service providers should contact [email protected] for alternative satellite reception possibilities, or contact Thaddeus Jones at the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Phone: +39 06 698 91810, fax: +39 06 698 91840.