Pope Benedict delivers a Christmas message of peace to the world.
Speaking from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to thousands of tourists and pilgrims, the pontiff calls for an end to the bloodshed in Syria as well as the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
He prays that the birth of Jesus would send a message to all who need to be saved from hardship.
Thousands gathered in the sun-drenched piazza to hear the Pope's message.
Some said the current financial crisis had drawn them to the Catholic Church's spiritual heartland.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) GIUSI BIONDI FROM TARANTO, SOUTHERN ITALY SAYING:
"This is a very special Christmas, and very involving, I think due to the crisis. I think people find comfort in faith in such a difficult time. I am also a worker in a precarious situation, having to face layoffs, crisis, I am very affected by all this. And this is why I came to Rome, to feel the Christmas spirit more."
Pope Benedict will continue his Christmas and New Year celebrations on Dec 31 with a year-end Mass of thanksgiving.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters