Pope at Midnight Mass: Be Peacemakers; Remember the Unborn


Pilgrims and tourists from around the world flocked to attend Benedict's first Christmas as Pope.

In his homily at Christmas Midnight Mass, the Holy Father stated:
"Where there is love, light shines forth in the world; where there is hatred, the world remains in darkness. The light of Bethlehem has never been extinguished. In every age it has touched men and women, it has shone around them."

Pope 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."
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