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Pope Ushers in Christmas

Posted Dec 24, 07 8:02 PM CST in World 

(Newser) – Pope Benedict XVI ushered in Christmas with a traditional midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, using his homily to speak out against the degradation of the environment and man's selfishness, reports Agence France Presse. The leader of the world's 1 billion Catholics lamented our "polluted world whose future is at risk," in an address broadcast worldwide.

Referring to an early bishop of the church who had concerns about the earth, the pope asked, "What would he say if he could see the state of the world today, through the abuse of energy and its selfish and reckless exploitation?" He also said modern man is "so preoccupied with himself" that he has little time for others—or for God.

Sources AFP, New York Times

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Pope Benedict XVI arrives to celebrate the Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007. Pope Benedict XVI ushered in Christmas as he led Midnight Mass...   (Associated Press)
Pope Benedict XVI kneels to pray as he celebrates the Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007. Pope Benedict XVI ushered in Christmas early Tuesday...   (Associated Press)
Pope Benedict XVI holds the pastoral staff as he celebrates the Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)   (Associated Press)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, early Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007. Pope Benedict XVI ushered in Christmas early Tuesday by celebrating Midnight...   (Associated Press)
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.   (Getty Images)
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