Who is paid royalties for the song Silent Night?

"Silent Night," originally composed in 1818, is now in the public domain, meaning that no royalties are paid for its use. The song was created by Franz Xaver Gruber, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, and since it was published over 100 years ago, it is free for anyone to perform, record, or adapt without needing to pay royalties. However, modern arrangements or adaptations of the song may still be subject to copyright, and those specific rights holders could receive royalties.