The Christmas vigil mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome started at 10 pm rather than the usual midnight on Thursday.
The move was designed to ensure the 82-year-old pontiff is not too tired to deliver his Urbi et Orbi blessing and Christmas message on Friday. Thousands of people attended the service.
Thousands of tourists and pilgrims are celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem, the site of the Church of the Nativity, the spot where tradition has it Jesus Christ was born.
photo: Pope Benedict XVI (EPA)
Pope Benedict XVI (EPA)
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