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Christmas peace wish from the Pope
By Stone Martindale Dec 25, 2006, 0:36 GMT
Pope Benedict XVI overlooks the balcony of his office during the lighting of a lamp which symbolizes \'the desire for peace in the world\', Sunday 24 December 2006, in Vatican City. EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI offered Christmas wishes for peace early Monday as he began the celebration of Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Benedict XVI was smiling at the faithful and he raised his hand in blessing as a chorus sang.
"Peace be with you," said Benedict, to the traditional Catholic mass reply: "And also with you."
Children from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America and the far reaches of the Pacific - Korean, Polish and Guatemalan youngsters as well as a pair each from Papua New Guinea and Burkina Faso were selected to bring gifts to the altar in a procession.
The Christmas Mass will be broadcast to 44 nations. A crowd expected to number in the tens of thousands will be gathered in St. Peter's Square.
Under Benedict's predecessor, Pope John Paul II, the Christmas Day message became an occasion to reflect on the state of human affairs.
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Older Talkback
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It is great to hear that the pope continues to promote peace. We live in a world that definitely needs peace. Fighting in the name of 'religion' of whatever sort is contrary to bibical Christianity. When the Roman soldiers came to crucify Christ his disciples wanted to fight the Romans and the Jews with swords but, Christ said, 'If my kingdom was of this world then would my servants fight'. His kingdom was and is not of this world therefore those who call themselves Christians and take up arms are in complete contradiction to true Christianity.
for the body n blood of alls sing together a song that enthralls
What other religious leaders do you expect to wish people 'Merry Christmas', Laura you, ingnorant average American? Muslims, Jews don't have this holyday and other churches from your south are just circus. Wake up, America is not all the world!
I respect the Popes Catholic tradition as well as others religious traditions. Christmas is a Christian celebration and he is the leader of largest Christian church.
Leaders of other faiths don't make many comments about Christmas because it is a Christian holiday. There are no leaders of other faiths either. Think before you speak.
Those of you claiming the pope is a Christian are way way off, you just don't even have a clue lol... The pople is more akin to a cheap magician or say ozzy osbourne... By the way today is the rebirth of the SUN, happy end of winter solstice... Now the SUN of god will be headed back our way to the northern hemisphere... I hope you had a great SUNday at church and I hope you have a great rebirth of the SUN on this monumental day first dedicated to the Roman Sun God Sol Invictus in 275AD
AMEN...
AMEN RA - Egyptian SUN GOD...
The world is made up of violence,and always was.Leaders are consumed with power of all sorts.The smart is stupid and the ignorant are taken advantage of.This is the case and always willbe.Children are killed and maimed,innocence is not rewarded,yet the world goes on.Who is calling the shots?WE are a bunch of unruly animals.
What are you going on about billdo?!? The pope is definatly christian, and while maybe the festival was originally for the roman sun god, it is now definatly about christ, our lord and saviour.
And amen? it comes from hebrew, meaning 'so be it; truely' Take ur head out of where the SUN don't shine and get a good education!
Oh, and one more thing. The solstace was on the 22nd (or 21st depending on where you live.)
Well maybe there is a reason the pope is on the news at christmas. Do you remember why there is a christmas? Well do you know who is the founder of the catholic faith? And who holds the highest standing in the eyes of the catholic church? Exactly. Personality I think that this is a huge ceremony, millions of people celebrate it, and to see what the pope is doing on this holady is a priority for many a person. And where do the camaras point when there is a major event? So in my opinion, This is a fine artical that a large number of people will enjoy.
Catholics are Christians-the original church of Christ set up by the apostles of Christ....refreshingly, the Pope isn't on American TV asking for you to send in money to his ministry for his blessings....even if you are a non believer-you can't fault that message. Peace is for everyone, everywhere.
why are you annoyed to see the Pope offer peace wishes? It's Christmas-be merry and happy and grateful for all the good in your life!!
Sorry Laura, you are way off base. The Pope represents the One Holy Catholic Church, started by the twelve Apostles and it is truly the church of Christ. Just go into one in Texas and you will feel the difference. He speaks for all Christians on 'Christ' mas. God Bless, Mary
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Laura from Houston, TexasDec 25th, 2006 - 01:43:47
Please, please, for years we have seen the Pope as a headline at Christmas! His Christmas wishes are not a headline article for the news. All ministers, preachers, priests, etc. wish people Merry Christmas. Enough is enough. If it continues why don't we include religious leaders from every faith?
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