In his midnight Christmas mass, Pope John Paul II has prayed for "defence of life and the safeguard of creation."

The Pope hailed the Jews as the people who had given Jesus Christ to all mankind. He said the birth of the Messiah was the central event in the history of humanity.

It was the Pontiff's latest gesture of friendship to Judaism after centuries of hostility between Catholics and Jews.

Live TV coverage

The mass took place in St Peter's Basilica in Rome

Surrounded by cardinals, prelates and ambassadors in St Peter's Basilica, the Pope called for "peace to men, peace to humanity."

Around 500 million people watched a live TV broadcast of the mass, beamed to 37 countries on five continents.

Messages received by the Pope in French, German, Polish, Portuguese and Swahili asked him and those assembled to pray for "leaders of nations and international organizations, that they redouble their attention to all human life as well as their commitment to safeguard creation."

The faithful also asked for prayers for artists and those responsible for cultural activities in all countries to commit themselves to "transmit the gift of peace," and for the assembly to pray for the sick, the unemployed, the homeless.

The Pope was given flowers

The Pope was presented with flowers by 12 children, including two Cubans, two Lebanese and two Chinese. After the mass he placed a statue of the baby Jesus in a manger and sung Polish Christmas carols.

Before he goes to sleep, the Pope will open his window and bless the 300 square metre nativity scene in Saint Peter's Square. It is believed to be the biggest in the world.

Pope sounded "tired"

The Pope, aged 77, has cut down his Christmas schedule this year on doctors' advice.

Pope John Paul II looked frail

BBC correspondent, David Willey, said his voice sounded tired and slurred at moments as he officiated at the 2 hour religious service.

He will not be appearing again in public after midnight mass, until he delivers his Christmas message to the city of Rome and to the world at midday.

He is conserving his strength for the important visit he plans to make to Cuba in one month's time.

As a result of improved relations between the Vatican and Fidel Castro's government, Cuban Catholics are being permitted to celebrate Christmas as a holiday for the first time this year since the feast was officially abolished in Cuba thirty years ago.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©