Papal Christmas, New Year moved indoors because of coronavirus
By PHILIP PULLELLA, Reuters
Published December 22, 2020 8:09pm
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will read his Christmas message from inside the Vatican instead of from the outdoor central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica because of new coronavirus restrictions in Italy, the Vatican said on Tuesday.
In addition to the Christmas "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and world) message, five addresses that were to have been delivered from a window of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square between Dec. 26 and Jan. 6 also will be moved indoors.
The restrictions mean people will not be able to go to St. Peter's Square. Papal events will be live streamed and broadcast on television.