Be peacemakers, Pope says on his first ChristmasSat Dec 24, 2005 7:39 PM ET
By Philip Pullella
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict, ushering in his first Christmas as Pontiff, on Sunday urged the world's Catholics to be beacons of peace in a troubled world and offered a special prayer for an end to strife in the Holy Land.
The 78-year-old German-born Pope, who was elected last April 19 to succeed Pope John Paul, celebrated a solemn Christmas Eve mass in St Peter's Basilica to lead the world's 1.1 billion Roman Catholics into one of the holiest seasons of the year.
"Where there is love, light shines forth in the world; where there is hatred, the world remains in darkness," he said in his homily before the congregation in a packed basilica.
Pilgrims and tourists had flocked from around the world to attend Benedict's first Christmas as Pope.
Those who did not manage to obtain tickets, which are distributed free, watched in the cold night air on giant screens in the square outside Christendom's largest church.
"The light of Bethlehem has never been extinguished. In every age it has touched men and women, it has shone around them," he said, wearing gold and white vestments.
Some 30 cardinals among those who elected Benedict last April joined him at the great basilica's main altar for the celebration that was televised live to 46 countries and followed by tens of millions of people on television and radio.
Benedict recounted the Christmas story of Christ's birth in a stable in Bethlehem and asked Catholics not to forget that the true meaning of Christmas was the "inner light" radiating from the Child Jesus.
"Let us keep this light-giving flame from being extinguished by the cold winds of our time!" he said.
He urged his listeners to help to end conflicts and misunderstandings wherever they were found.
"Let us strive to be active heralds of his peace in the world of today," he said.
"Christ gives himself to us and, in doing so, gives us his peace. He gives it to us so that we can carry the light of peace within and give it to others. He gives it to us so that we can become peacemakers and builders of peace in the world," he said.
The Pope, who has been invited to visit both Israel and Palestinian territories, made a special appeal for peace in the Holy Land.
"On this night, when we look toward Bethlehem, let us pray in a special way for the birthplace of our Redeemer and for the men and women who live and suffer there," he said.
"We wish to pray for peace in the Holy Land: Look, O Lord, upon this corner of the earth, your homeland, which is so very dear to you! Let your light shine upon it! Let it know peace!"
REMEMBER THE UNBORN
The Pope also made a reference to the Church's total opposition to abortion, saying the love of God shines on each child, "even on those still unborn".
One of the prayers read during the mass asked that all those who recognize Abraham as the father of their faith -- Muslims, Jews and Christians -- "practice reciprocal respect, with works of justice and peace".
As has become customary in recent years, security around the Vatican was tight, with nearly everyone entering the basilica having to pass through airport-style metal detectors and undergo bag searches.
In the run-up to Christmas, Benedict made it clear that he is increasingly worried about the commercialization of the season, lamenting that many had forgotten the real reason for the day -- commemorating the birth of the Son of God.
Visiting a Rome parish last Sunday the Pope said joy -- not expensive objects -- was the real gift of the season. Earlier this month he said commercial "pollution" was ruining the spirit of Christmas.
At midday on Sunday, Benedict will read his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) Christmas message and blessing from the same central balcony of St Peter's where he first appeared to the world as Pope minutes after his election.
He also will say a mass on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, and two days later will baptise children.
In early January, the Pope is due to publish his first encyclical, a major writing addressed to all Church members.
The encyclical, believed to be called "God is Love", deals with the individual's personal relationship with God.
