ASK THE POPE

QUESTION: Why is Easter so late this year?

ANSWER: Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon after the vernal equinox.

For Church purposes, the vernal equinox is defined as March 21st on the Gregorian calendar, regardless of when the astronomical equinox occurs.

For church purposes, the full moon is defined as the 14th day of the month on the Jewish calendar, regardless of when the actual full moon occurs.

The latest Easter can be is April 25th. That happened in 1943, it won't happen again until 2038.


QUESTION: When is Christmas this year?

ANSWER: December 25th.