The traditional Christmas Mass was held this year by Pope Francis two hours earlier so that people could return home at 22:00. The Mass was broadcast live on the Vatican YouTube channel.
In the presence of about 100 people, or something more, all in masks, the Pope said, "The birth of Jesus enables us to be born again each year and to find strength in Him." The Pope stressed the need to help the poor and to reflect on our injustices.
Monsignor George Frendo in a live link on "Open" on Top Channel said that Christmas this year in Albania, as never before, was celebrated under the fear of a pandemic.
"It ended fixed at 19:15. The church was full, they imagined that there would be little and we had decided where to sit, but unfortunately they did not hear about the fact that it was full, even though we tried to be at a distance and in disguise. But we had a happy atmosphere. We do Mass at midnight usually, for centuries, the Gospel does not speak of midnight but says that Jesus was born at night. "I was surprised today to see the Church full, I was impressed and enthusiastic," he said.
Here are some of the sights around the world:
A man dressed as Grandpa greets children from inside a plastic ball, in Galicia, Spain.
People in Grandpa hats bathe in Lake Leman in Bains des Paquis, Geneva.
A firefighter dressed as Grandpa surprises children at Simon Bolivar Hospital in Bogota, Colombia.
A health worker dresses up as Grandpa to visit patients at the hospital, Colombia.
People light candles on Christmas Eve at a church in Amritsar, India.
Christmas Mass in Iraq.
People dressed as Grandpa inside a van greet people in Tel Aviv.
A girl in a mask gets ready to perform at a Christmas festival in Bangkok.
Kids take pictures with Grandpa in the distance, Fairfax, Virginia.
Moscow
A model like Christmas tree, in Bangkok.
Burimet: Vatican News, Washington Post, Reuters
