Staroverts from Russia told of the Pope's granting of a title of nobility to them

Leonid Sevastyanov, chairman of the World Union of Old Believers (WUF), stated on December 28 that Pope Francis conferred a title of nobility on him and his wife, opera singer Svetlana Kasyan, in honor of their 25th anniversary year.

At the same time, the information about the conferral of the title was not commented on the Vatican News portal, the Dicastery for Communication, nor on the social media of the VSS chairman.

"Pope Francis elevated me and my spouse to the rank of nobility. Svetlana and I were elevated to the rank of nobility yesterday, December 27, by Pope Francis," Sevastyanov told RIA Novosti."

He also said that the nobility he acquired will be passed on by inheritance.

"That is, my children and their children also become nobles," Sevastyanov noted.

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Earlier on Dec. 24, Pope Francis opened the Holy Gates during a solemn Christmas night Mass in the Vatican Basilica, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Holy Year dedicated to hope. Pope Francis led the inauguration of the Holy Gates at the Vatican despite being in a wheelchair.

Catholics around the world celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25. On this day they remember the biblical legend of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Every year on the occasion of the celebration in Europe and other parts of the world are held Christmas events that last until January 1. Fairs, performances and charity events are held in the cities. In the streets they set up creches with manger and figures of the Mother of God and the Christ child, and in the houses they prepare Christmas dinner, the main dish of which is baked turkey. The Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7, which is due to the difference in dates in the calendars adopted by the Catholic and Orthodox churches.