Advisory for Broadcasters

WASHINGTON—The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has released information for broadcasters regarding worldwide telecasts of the ceremonies presided over by Pope Benedict XVI on Christmas and New Year's Day. All times are Rome’s local time.

• Saturday, December 24, 2011, Christmas Eve, 22:00 to 24:00 hours (Rome time), ‘Midnight Mass’ presided over by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica.
• Sunday, December 25, 2011, Christmas Day, 12:00 to 12:45 hours (Rome time), Christmas Message and Blessing "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the City of Rome and to the World") of Pope Benedict XVI from St. Peter's Square.
• Sunday, January 1, 2012, Solemnity of Mary Mother of God, 09:30 - 11:15 hours (Rome time), Mass, presided over by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica on the occasion of the 45th World Day of Peace.

The Christmas broadcasts will be offered worldwide free of charge to all broadcasters via Eurovision through its World Feed Service. The January 1 Mass will be booked based on demand. Broadcast participation must be requested in writing by December 15 via telecast@pccs.va.

Television commentaries from the Vatican in English, Spanish and Frenchwill be offered on the satellite audio channels. Commentary in other languages, yet to be determined, will be available via ISDN from Vatican Radio. Distribution by ISDN is limited and may be requested from the International Relations Office of Vatican Radio (relint@vatiradio.va), which will provide them on a first come, first served basis.

Technical details on the broadcasts will be posted on the Pontifical Council for Social Communications’ website (www.pccs.it/tj/telecasts.htm), in addition to texts and background information for television producers and commentators.

For those unable to receive the broadcasts through the above service providers, alternative satellite reception possibilities can be explored (send email to: telecast@pccs.va).

Contact information: