A large part of the Christian world celebrates Christmas. Traditionally the festive Mass conducted by Pope Francis takes place in St. Peter"s Basilica in Rome.
For those who were not able to enter St. Peter"s Basilica, a big screen was installed outdoors- tens of thousands of believers listened to the Pope"s address.Pilgrims gathered at the site of Christ"s birth in Bethlehem in the Church of the Nativity.The Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas traditionally attended the Mass.
In Bethlehem tourists from around the world celebrated Christmas throughout the night.