This morning, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Bishop Filippo Iannone, O. Carm., prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops;

- Participants in the living Nativity Scene of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major;

- Dr. Jan Beagle, director general of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO);

- Archbishop Orlando Brandes, metropolitan of Aparecida, Brazil, and entourage;

- Organizers and performers of the “Christmas Concert”;

- Participants in the Jubilee of Italian Diplomacy;

- Mr. George Weigel;

- His Eminence Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, metropolitan of Québec, Canada.