Vatican, Dec. 23 (CWNews.com) - The midnight Mass of Christmas, celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) in St. Peter's Basilica, will be broadcast over 124 television networks reaching 74 different countries.

The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has revealed that 46 countries will enjoy full live broadcast of the midnight Mass, 3 will have delayed coverage, and 36 will see parts of the ceremony.

Last year, the midnight Mass at which Pope John Paul II (bio - news) presided was covered by 116 television networks, reaching 73 nations.

Pope Benedict's Urbi et Orbi message, delivered at midday from the balcony of the Vatican basilica, will be broadcast over 111 television chains, to 68 countries. That is a slight decrease from last Christmas day, when the message by Pope John Paul II was carried by 116 networks to 73 countries.

# posted by Squach : 3:58 PM   |