Pope Benedict last night celebrated the traditional Christmas Mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
The pontiff urged Christians to "find time and room for God in their fast-paced lives".
He prayed for peace in the Middle East and expressed hope that Israelis and Palestinians would find a way to live in peace
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The Mass, which is usually celebrated at midnight, was brought forward two hours to avoid tiring the pontiff - who is 85.