VATICAN-POPE-URBI ET ORBI

Pope Benedict XVI blesses the pilgrims and faithfull from the main balcony of St-Peter's basilica at the Vatican, during his traditional Christmas "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, 25 December 2006. The pontiff made a fresh appeal for a "just and lasting peace" in the Middle East. AFP PHOTO / POOL / OSSERVATORE ROMANO