As the Church prepares for the close of the Jubilee Year and the coming of Christmas, Pope Leo XIV has released his schedule of liturgical celebrations for November 2025 through January 2026. The calendar marks the first Christmas season with the new Pope and highlights the richness of the Church’s liturgical life. According to Vatican News, “the Vatican’s Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff released the Pope’s schedule for November 2025 through January 2026.”
November: A Month of Solemnity and Jubilee
The celebrations begin with a historic moment on November 1. At Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo will proclaim St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church. The Vatican described the event as taking place “in the context of the Jubilee of the World of Education” (Vatican News).
Later in the month, Pope Leo will preside at a Requiem Mass for deceased cardinals and bishops, celebrate the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran on November 9, and mark the Jubilee of the Poor with Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on November 16. The liturgical year concludes with the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 23, which will also coincide with “the conclusion of the Jubilee of Choirs” (Vatican News).
Advent and Christmas: Mary and the Poor at the Heart
In December, Pope Leo will continue traditions of Marian devotion and outreach. On December 8, the Pope will lead the Act of Veneration for the Immaculate Conception at Piazza di Spagna. Just a few days later, he will celebrate Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12, followed by Mass for the Jubilee of Prisoners on December 14.
The highlight of the season will be Christmas Eve. Vatican News reports that “the celebration of Holy Mass ‘during the Night’ in St Peter’s Basilica” will take place at 10 p.m. on December 24, broadcast live across the world. On Christmas Day, Pope Leo will once again celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica before giving his first Urbi et Orbi Christmas blessing from the central balcony.
Ushering in the New Year: Peace and Thanksgiving
The transition into 2026 will also carry deep liturgical meaning. On December 31, the Pope will lead Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, along with the Te Deum hymn of thanksgiving. The next morning, January 1, he will celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of Mary while also marking the 59th World Day of Peace.
Closing the Jubilee Year
The Christmas season extends to Epiphany on January 6, when Pope Leo will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. During that liturgy, he will perform a solemn act: “the Holy Father will solemnly close the Holy Door, marking the formal end of the 2025 Jubilee Year” (Vatican News). The Holy Door will not be opened again until 2033, when the Church commemorates the 2000th anniversary of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
Finally, on January 11, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Leo will celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel, baptizing infants in continuity with the tradition begun by Pope St. John Paul II.
Looking Ahead with Hope
This schedule reflects not only the rhythm of the liturgical year but also the heart of Pope Leo’s ministry. With moments dedicated to the poor, prisoners, the Church’s saints, and the global call for peace, the faithful are invited to journey with the Holy Father through the seasons of grace that close the Jubilee and usher in a new year.
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