Pope Francis will deliver his Christmas Day message indoors due to coronavirus restrictions, the Vatican has said, as two cardinals close to the pontiff tested positive for Covid-19.
The pope traditionally gives his "Urbi and Orbi" (To the City and The World) message from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica on 25 December.
But this year Italy has imposed tough new restrictions over the Christmas and New Year period to stem the spread of coronavirus.
As a result, the Vatican said: "Pope Francis will deliver the Christmas message and impart the blessing 'Urbi et Orbi' in the Hall of Blessings in the Vatican Apostolic Palace." On 26 and 27 December and 1, 3 and 6 January, the recitation of the Angelus prayer will take place in the library.