Pope laments 'materialistic' Christmas mentality

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Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday criticized "materialistic" ways of celebrating Christmas, pressing the Vatican's campaign against unbridled consumerism.

His brief comments, delivered from the window of his private studio to pilgrims below in St. Peter's Square, built on his dismay expressed Saturday that ever younger boys and girls are caught up in consumer pursuits.

"The way of living out, and perceiving, Christmas unfortunately quite often suffers from a materialistic mentality," Benedict said.

Addressing English-speaking pilgrims, the pope said he was praying that the approaching Christmas celebration "will fill your hearts with redeeming hope."

On Saturday, the pope lamented that children and adolescents were being deceived by "false models" of happiness pushed by adults who lead them down "the dead-end streets of consumerism."

Benedict's predecessor, John Paul II, also cautioned faithful against the consequences of unchecked materialism on morality.

He made the annual papal visit to the 150-year-old statue of the Virgin Mary just steps from Rome glitziest boutiques at the start of the holiday shopping frenzy.

En route to pray at the statue, Benedict chatted with the head of a merchants association on Via Condotti, Rome's most prestigious shopping street.