Pope Benedict XVI will give his 'urbi et orbi' (to the city and the world) Christmas day blessing in 64 languages, one more than last year, the Vatican said on Wednesday.
The latest language will be from one of the European countries, said the Vatican without specifying which one.
At noon on Thursday Benedict will deliver his Christmas message and the 'urbi et orbi' blessing from the central balcony of St Peter's.
The ceremony and message, a central feature of Christmas for Catholics around the world, will be broadcast live around the world, without charge to any TV channel interested in broadcasting it, the Vatican said.
Meanwhile officials said they had run out of free tickets to distribute to the thousands of faithful who each year hope to attend the Christmas Eve Mass inside St Peter's basilica.
The Vatican has set up TV screens in the square for those unable to find seats inside.
