[앵커]
Christmas Eve around the world was similar. In the Vatican, where the 10 p.m. curfew is enforced due to Corona 19, the Christmas Eve Mass was held two hours ahead of the previous year. Pope Francis delivered the message: “Love and mercy can change miserable situations.” Bethlehem, where the baby Jesus was born, was sloppy, and churches in the United States imposed a’singing ban’ against singing carols and chants. Everyone is facing a tough and gloomy Christmas, but Santa Claus is traveling the world wearing masks to protect their children’s dreams and wishes.
This is Lee Jae-seung.
[기자]
In our time today (25th) at 3:30 am, the Christmas Eve Mass was held at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
Due to Corona 19, a curfew was applied after 10 p.m., and mass time was advanced by two hours.
Compared to a year ago, the number of believers attending Mass decreased significantly.
Pope Francis emphasized in his discourse on Mass that “God’s love and mercy can completely change our miserable situation.”
Bethlehem, a city on the west bank of the Jordan River, where the baby Jesus was born, is also in a quiet state.
It’s hard to find a crowd of pilgrims from all over the world at this time of year.
In the United States, most churches have banned carols and chants from Christians at Christmas.
The Methodist Church decided to reduce the number of attendance and play recorded music.
In the UK, even family gatherings are difficult due to the highly contagious mutant virus.
In Germany, no more than 5 people from two families can gather together to celebrate Christmas.
However, the death toll of Corona 19 is close to 1,000 a day, so even this is a cautious situation.
In the midst of this, Santas are meeting children from all over the world from Rovaniemie, northern Finland, the official residence of Santa.
While delivering gifts, we are asking for safety and health.
[산타클로스/핀란드 산타 마을 : 여러분 모두가 행복하고 평화로운 크리스마스를 보내길 바랍니다. 안전하고 건강하게, 모든 안전사항과 지침을 따르는 것을 잊지 마세요.]
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