Hey, as they say, it’s always midnight somewhere. Just not at the Vatican during midnight mass. For some reason.

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI will break with tradition this year and celebrate Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at 10 p.m. instead of midnight, the Vatican said Monday.

Papal spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi told The Associated Press the decision to change the schedule was made two months ago to “ease the (pope’s) fatigue at a time when there are many ceremonies and commitments” during Christmas holidays.

“There’s no cause for worry about the health” of the 82-year-old Benedict, Lombardi said. Vatican aides decided to “stretch out” his strength and the pontiff agreed, the spokesman added.

Hey, look, if it’s necessary for the pope’s health I can understand. But midnight mass isn’t quite the same hours before midnight. A bit disappointing.