Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve With Pope Benedict VI

[YoungTradCath]

I believe the pope does face East when he celebrates the Mass as currently configured at Saint Peter’s Basilica. It is currently ad orientem. The only way for the pope to celebrate the Mass ad orientem and with his back to the congregation would be to move the entire sanctuary which is currently located over the top of Saint Peter’s grave and under the great dome to entrance of the basilica. That’s just not going to happen. Ever.

Yes. We already figured this out.

 

[Filii_Dei]

The only way for the pope to celebrate the Mass ad orientem and with his back to the congregation would be to move the entire sanctuary which is currently located over the top of Saint Peter’s grave and under the great dome to entrance of the basilica. That’s just not going to happen. Ever.

Well, another solution is to pivot the whole Church around the High Altar. This way you don’t need to move St Peter’s tomb or the altar, and everybody faces East! Problem solved.