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Benedict Ushers in Christmas

By the Associated Press

Posted Dec 24, 2008 6:47 PM CST

(AP) – Pope Benedict XVI ushered in Christmas as midnight struck at the Vatican, leading the celebration of Midnight Mass in the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica. Thousands of pilgrims, Romans, and tourists packed the basilica for the midnight service given by the 81-year-old pope. For those unable to enter, giant screens were set up in St. Peter's Square.

Earlier, Benedict appeared briefly at his studio window to bless the crowd and light a single candle in a sign of peace. The Vatican's Christmas festivities began with the unveiling of the larger-than-life Nativity scene next to the Vatican's largest-ever Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square. Tomorrow, Benedict delivers his traditional Christmas Day "Urbi et Orbi" speech—Latin for "to the city and to the world"—in which he often touches on current events and issues of concern to the Vatican.

[Images (6)]

[Quotes (1)]

Pope Benedict XVI waves after lighting a candle from his window overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, at the Nativity scene displayed in the square, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008. (ANDREW MEDICHINI)

People walk around a Nativity scene, center below the obelisk, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008. (Alessandra Tarantino)

The Nativity scene is lit up in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008. Pope Benedict XVI gave his Christmas celebrations with Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. (Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates the Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, early Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Benedict XVI blesses children as he celebrates the Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, early Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Cardinals and bishops pray in front of a statue of Jesus during the Christmas Midnight Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Basilica early Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

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Light the candle of peace inside yourself, light the candle of welcoming and understanding that will help you listen and share the cry of the poor and of those who suffer. - Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone,
Vatican's No. 2 official

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