Pope to Miss Christmas Mass
From Times Wire Reports
For the first time in 18 years, Pope John Paul II does not plan to celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Day. He is under doctors’ orders to slow down. The Vatican released the pope’s schedule for the Christmas season. It followed the appointments of past years except for the Dec. 25 Mass. The Vatican gave no explanation for the change, but said John Paul, 76, will celebrate midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.