Pope prays for peace in troubled world
The Pope celebrated Christmas midnight mass in St Peter's Basilica attended by some 10,000 people and watched by tens of millions live on television in more than 70 countries, including several predominantly Muslim nations.
The 84-year-old Pope, who has difficulty speaking because of his illness, lessened the strain this year, limiting his sermon to a mere eight paragraphs -- the shortest of his 27 Christmas seasons as Pontiff.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. No longer able to walk, he sat slightly bent on his wheeled throne in festive gold vestments and appeared very pensive at times.
"Look upon us, eternal Son of God, who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary. All humanity, with its burden of trials and troubles, stands in need of you," he said, breathing deeply between his words.
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